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Description
Acer Rubrum October Glory, commonly known as the October Glory Maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to North America and is widely cultivated for its beautiful fall color. The tree can grow up to 40-50 feet tall with a spread of 30-40 feet. The October Glory Maple is a hardy tree that can withstand extreme weather conditions and is popular for its beautiful red and orange foliage in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The October Glory Maple has a dense, oval-shaped crown with a straight trunk. The leaves are medium green in color and are 3-5 inches long with 3-5 lobes. In the fall, the leaves turn into a beautiful shade of red and orange. The tree produces small, red flowers in the spring which are followed by two-winged samaras that ripen in the fall. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray when young, but becomes rough and dark brown as it ages.
Care Guide
The October Glory Maple is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips to help you care for your tree:
Water: The tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The October Glory Maple is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The October Glory Maple is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause damage to the leaves of the tree. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water.
Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause the leaves of the tree to wilt and die. It is important to remove and destroy any infected branches to prevent the spread of the disease.
Tar Spot: This fungal disease causes black spots to appear on the leaves of the tree. It is not harmful to the tree and can be controlled by raking and disposing of infected leaves in the fall.
Habitat
The October Glory Maple is native to North America and can be found growing in the eastern United States from Florida to Maine. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is commonly found growing in wetlands, swamps, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does the October Glory Maple grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 2-3 feet per year when young, but slows down as it ages.
Q: Is the October Glory Maple a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the tree has a dense, oval-shaped crown and provides good shade in the summer.
Q: How often should I prune my October Glory Maple?
A: The tree should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. It is important to remove any dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree as desired.
Q: Can the October Glory Maple grow in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it is not recommended as the tree can grow quite large and requires a lot of water and nutrients.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the October Glory Maple:
- Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
- Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
- Acer campestre (Hedge Maple)
References
- “Acer Rubrum October Glory.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l530.
- “October Glory Maple Tree Facts: Tips On Growing October Glory Maples.” Gardening Know How, 20 May 2021, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/maple/october-glory-maple-tree-facts.htm.
- “Acer Rubrum ‘October Glory’.” Plant Finder, www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/104.
