Japanese Maple vs Armstrong Maple - TreeTime.ca

Japanese Maple vs Armstrong Maple

Acer x freemanii Armstrong

Acer palmatum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Armstrong Maple
Japanese Maple

The Armstrong Maple has a narrow, upright columnar growth habit. This stunning tree has showy leaves that range from yellow, orange to red in the fall. It is an attractive hybrid of the Red Maple and Silver Maple. It prefers acidic soils and will have some tolerance for drought once mature.

Edward Murray named the Armstrong Maple in 1969 in honor of Oliver M. Freeman of the National Arboretum, who made the first controlled cross between the two species in 1933.

Japanese Maple is one of the most popular accent maples. Its long, fingered lobed leaves can be variegated in the summer with lighter shades of green, red, or even purple. Its autumn colour is a brilliant red that is uncommon in most plants, which adds nice contrast to your yard when planted near other trees.


The Japanese Maple is a diverse variety, there are over 1,000 cultivars with different sizes, shapes, and colours.

This species is extremely popular with bonsai enthusiasts.

Armstrong Maple Quick Facts

Japanese Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: orange/yellow
Fall colour: bright red to yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Other Names: armstrong red maple
Other Names: palmate maple, smooth japanese maple