Armstrong Freeman Maple

‘Armstrong’ is a fast-growing, narrow selection of Freeman maple, the hybrid of red and silver maples. Oregon State University, the University of Illinois Extension, and several arboreta classify it as Acer × freemanii ‘Armstrong’, while some extension references list it under A. rubrum. ## Landscape use and size The University of Florida lists a mature range of 50–60 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide; Oregon State gives 50–70 ft tall and about 15 ft wide. Use the narrow crown as a specimen, screen, or street tree where a wider maple would not fit, while allowing room for a large root system. ## Seasonal interest Small red flowers and new leaves appear in winter in Florida and later in the northern part of its range. The green leaves have silvery undersides and turn yellow, orange, or sometimes red in fall; color is variable rather than reliably crimson. The [Oregon State profile](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-freemanii-armstrong) documents the hybrid classification and narrow form, while [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST042) gives cultivar-specific size, flower timing, soil, and pruning details. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/117422/acer-rubrum-armstrong/details) describes its deciduous habit and silvery leaf undersides. ## Siting and structure Plant in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in moist sites and tolerates clay, loam, sand, and extended flooding; alkaline soils may cause chlorosis. The tree can develop surface roots, and vigorous upright stems may form weak unions. Thin bark can be damaged by lawn equipment. ## Cultivar identity This is the older ‘Armstrong’ selection, not Armstrong Gold or ‘Armstrong Two’. The [International Society of Arboriculture checklist](https://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?ArticleID=1803&JournalID=1&Type=2) associates plant patent PP2823 with the distinct ‘Armstrong Two’; no patent number for ‘Armstrong’ itself was found in the sources reviewed. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry periods. Inspect young branch structure and remove or shorten aggressive upright stems before they become large enough to form weak unions. Keep mowers and string trimmers away from the thin bark.