Freeman Maple — Illusion and Truth

Abstract

The application of a scientific name, Acer x freemanii, to all hybrids between red maple (A rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum) has led to somewhat exaggerated expectations for the performance of Freeman maples in urban landscapes. In this paper, the author draws on 30 years of personal experience with more than 1,000 control-pollinated hybrids to present a more balanced view of the potential of Freeman maples. The difficulties of unequivocal verification of natural hybrids are also discussed.