Red November Amur Maple

Red November™ Amur maple (*Acer ginnala* ‘JFS-UGA’) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub selected for bright green summer foliage, heat adaptation, and late, bright red fall color. Its low-branched or multistem form reaches about 18 feet tall and 24 feet wide, so it suits a roomy screen, specimen planting, or small-space shade tree more than a narrow bed. As with other Amur maples, fall color and performance vary by site, and seedlings can be weedy in some regions. ## Landscape role The open, rounded crown can be grown with one trunk or several stems. Use it as a small specimen, patio tree, informal screen, or loose hedge; its dense foliage also casts useful shade. The mature width is greater than the height, so allow the branches to spread instead of repeatedly clipping them into a narrow shape. It can grow in a large container, although container plants need more frequent watering and root-space management than a tree planted in the ground. Fragrant spring flower clusters and red-orange fall foliage extend its seasonal interest. ## Site and seasonal performance Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. The species tolerates a broad range of soil pH, wind, dry soil, and drought once established, but water new trees during establishment and during extended dry spells. J. Frank Schmidt lists the cultivar for USDA Zone 4; NC State Extension gives the species range as Zones 3–8 and notes its best performance in Zones 3–6. Treat those as cultivar and species references, respectively. ‘JFS-UGA’ was selected for heat adaptation and later red color, not for reliable color on a specific November date. NC State warns that Amur maple is invasive in some Midwestern and Northeastern states; check local guidance and remove unwanted seedlings where it is restricted or a concern. ## Breeder, brand, and patent J. Frank Schmidt & Son introduced the tree as Red November™ Maple under the cultivar name ‘JFS-UGA’. The breeder says Dr. Michael Dirr selected it at the University of Georgia for bright green foliage that holds through summer stress and red fall color that develops later than typical seedlings. JFS currently lists it as **no longer in production**, so availability may be limited to existing nursery stock. I found no plant-patent number in the breeder references reviewed; that is not a formal patent-status search. See the [JFS introduction and availability note](https://jfschmidt.com/trees/all-trees/jfs-introductions/), [JFS cultivar description](https://jfschmidt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/JFS_New_2006.pdf), and [NC State Extension’s Amur maple guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-tataricum-subsp-ginnala/). ## Maintenance Moderate maintenance is a reasonable expectation. Prune selectively to establish the desired single- or multistem structure, and remove crossing or damaged branches as needed; the species tolerates heavier pruning, but frequent shearing works against its natural open crown. Check for seedlings around the planting and pull unwanted volunteers before they establish. Water regularly while roots develop, then adjust irrigation to local rainfall and soil moisture. Mulch broadly over the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.