Red Sunset Maple

Common Names

Red Sunset Maple

Scientific Names

Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’
Sapindaceae family

Basic Landscape Attributes

Height Range:

45-50 ft. height

Fall Colors:

Medium to dark green leaves, Vibrant orange and red in fall

Width Range:

35-40 ft. spread

Flower Type:

Small red clusters of flowers

Shape:

Upright, branching, oval shape

History of
the Tree Species

Introduced in 1966 by J. Frank Schmidt and Son in Boring, OR
Cultivar of the Red Maple

Basic Growing Conditions

Full sun to partial shade
Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, wet, and clay soils
Tolerates wet conditions and drought

Scientific Facts

Sap contains sugar, about half the quantity obtained from sugar maples
Syrup best harvested in late winter
Seeds can be cooked and eaten
Bark has astringent properties and has been used as an application for sore eyes
Infusion of the bark has been used to treat cramps and dysentery

Location on tree on Shelby Ave:

The Shelby Avenue Arboretum is a community-grown project led by Nashville Tree Conservation Corps and is in partnership with NTCC and Metro Nashville.