ACER rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’

Description

Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’ is a red maple. Over time, it has established itself as THE benchmark among red maples. Indeed, its usually green foliage turns color very early in the autumn, setting the garden ablaze. It first turns bright red before taking on a yellow hue. In addition, it produces red blooms in the spring before the leaves emerge. The fruits are also red. Furthermore, its bark is gray and smooth. Finally, this tree is easy to grow and provides shade in the garden very quickly.

How to plant and care for Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’?

Find a sunny or partially shaded spot for this red maple. A moist, moderately moist, or dry location will suit it well. The soil can be light, normal, or heavy, with an acidic or neutral pH. This tree easily withstands temperatures below -20 °C.

Tip: If you wish to keep it at a lower height, prune it in January or February.

Histoire et Origine

The type species Acer rubrum originates from eastern and north-central North America. It grows there from sea level up to around 900 meters in altitude. The State of Rhode Island has even made it its state tree. The English introduced it in 1656 and began cultivating it shortly after.

The original Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’ specimen grew in the garden of Barthold Schlesinger in Brookline, Massachusetts.

A. rubrum is tapped for syrup on a small scale, as its harvesting season is shorter than that of other sugar-producing maples. Its timber is also used in construction and is considered to be of medium to high quality. In addition, Indigenous peoples used the bark in traditional medicine, while pioneers made ink from it. Finally, it ranks as medium quality for firewood.