Crimson King Maple Tree

‘Crimson King’ is a large, deciduous Norway maple selected for glossy, dark red-purple foliage. Its broad crown and strong color suit open park and landscape spaces where the mature roots and canopy have room. ## Form and seasonal interest Barbier & Co. selected the cultivar in Belgium in 1937, and Gulfstream Nursery introduced it in 1947. Its shiny, dark reddish-purple leaves hold color through summer; small flowers, reported as yellow-green to reddish-orange, appear before or with the leaves in April or May, followed by paired winged fruits. The [Kwantlen Polytechnic University profile](https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/PlantPrint/acck) describes an upright, rounded tree, while [Van den Berk Nurseries](https://www.vdberk.co.uk/trees/acer-platanoides-crimson-king/) describes a dense, broad-conical to oval crown and park or solitary use. ## Siting and mature size Published sizes differ. Van den Berk gives 10–15 m tall by 8–12 m wide; the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89715/acer-platanoides-crimson-king/details) gives 8–12 m tall and a spread wider than 8 m; KPU lists 22–30 m tall by 10–15 m wide, while [Kansas State University Extension](https://www.maraisdescygnes.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/popular-lawn-garden-publications/trees-shrubs-and-woody-vines/ShadeAndOrnamentalTreesForKansasmf2688.pdf) lists 40–50 ft and describes the tree as slow-growing. Site with generous canopy and overhead clearance. Grow in full sun or partial shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Van den Berk advises avoiding peat and stagnant groundwater; water during establishment. Norway maple can escape planted landscapes in some regions. [University of Minnesota Extension](https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources/forestry-and-wildlife/invasive-species/norway-maple) and the [Minnesota DNR](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/norwaymaple.html) identify the species as invasive or specially regulated in Minnesota; check local guidance before planting near natural areas. ## Maintenance Allow the crown to develop naturally. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches when needed, and keep the mature canopy clear of buildings and utilities.