Red Sunset Maple vs American Sweet Flag

American Sweet Flag is a native perennial wetland plant found along shorelines, streams, wet meadows, and marshes. Its extensive rhizome system allows it to spread and stabilise soil, helping maintain the edges of ponds and streams. This dense growth provides cover for small animals and supports overall wetland biodiversity, while the rhizomes and seeds serve as food for small mammals and waterfowl. Cold-hardy and resilient, it is well-suited for ecological restoration, riparian plantings, erosion control, and naturalization projects.

The plant grows in dense clumps with tall, sword-shaped leaves that release a citrus-like scent when bruised. The rhizomes are aromatic, with a spicy, cinnamon-like fragrance that has been used in perfumery and flavouring. In early summer, American Sweet Flag produces a distinctive floral spike (spadix), adding visual interest to wetland plantings.

Red Sunset Maple is named for its stunning orange and red leaves in the fall. It is a fast growing cultivar of the Red Maple that is native to Eastern North America. The winter stems and spring flowers are also tinged with red color, making this tree attractive year round.

The Red Sunset Maple is salt sensitive and prefers moist soil with slightly acidic conditions.

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