Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Description:

A smaller accent tree that features blazing red hot seeds in late summer and fiery fall colors; more tolerant of drought and alkaline conditions than the otherwise similar Amur maple. Also available in clump form.

Ornamental Features

Hot Wings Maple is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features abundant showy cherry red samaras in late summer. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The lobed leaves turn outstanding shades of yellow, orange and red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Hot Wings Maple is a deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Hot Wings Maple is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Hot Wings Maple will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 17 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.