Question
Mark, I am an avid gardener and have found this site extremely helpful. I was researching October Glory to plant at my school (I am a teacher) in memory of two teachers who have passed away since September.  As I have done all the landscaping (Natchez Crepes, false cypress, daylillies, blue point junipers, azaleas, hostas, hydrangea, dwarf nandinas, acuba, etc. - with much more to come) for our middle school, I want this to be a special addition. Our school is surrounded by wooded area, however, our school grounds are full sun. I wanted to plant the OG, but have discovered the Sunset Red.  I am unsure which is the best.  Plus both have samaras - which I have in a maple in my yard - and can hardly tolerate them. I have given you all this information to ask your opinion regarding the purchase. Is there a maple that offers wonderful fall color without the pesky samaras? Or would you recommend another species?  I don't want to rely on the school grounds maintenance to mow the samaras down when they sprout, they have destroyed several yoshino cherries cutting their bark, spraying, etc. - and to weed both my yard and the school - is a thought I'd rather not have! Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Martha

Answer

Silver Maple Accent Hello,

The male October Glory and the male Sunset Red do not produce samaras. Sunset Red tends to change color earlier than October Glory but October Glory sounds a bit hardier than Sunset Red,is more tolerant of dry soil conditions and may have a larger growth range.

Seedless maples are either hybrids or males that do not produce seeds. The most prominent of this seedless group are those belonging to the freemanii cultivars.

Examples of seedless maple include:

Acer freemanii "autumn blaze".

Brandywine red maple (a cross between October Glory and Autumn Flame).

Acer saccharinum 慚areltoi?(seedless Silver Maple). Could be considered a dwarf variety.

Mckay seedless Silver Maple Variety. Male variety is seedless.

Autumn Spire. A columnar shaped maple.

The Silver Maple can make a good accent tree. The amur maple is also a good accent but is not seedless. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Mark Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]

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