Armstrong Gold® Red Maple Tree

Armstrong Gold® is the red maple selection ‘JFS-KW78’, chosen by J. Frank Schmidt & Son from hundreds of ‘Armstrong’ seedlings. It keeps a narrow, tightly fastigiate shape, with medium-green leaves that turn gold to orange in fall; the breeder lists USDA Zone 4 and a mature size of about 40 feet tall by 12 feet wide ([JFS profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/armstrong-gold-maple/)). The cultivar is identified in the breeder’s catalog as PP 25,301; the patent record gives an issue date of February 24, 2015 ([patent record](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP25301)). ## Landscape use The upright crown adds height where a broad shade tree would take too much ground space. Use it as a vertical specimen or in a line of trees where the narrow form fits the design; its dense foliage and seasonal color can also soften a street edge. ## Siting and seasonal interest Plant in a sunny position and allow room for the mature crown and roots. The breeder describes medium-green foliage through the growing season, followed by golden-to-orange fall color. General red-maple guidance from [UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST041) notes that the species can develop surface roots and grows across clay, sand, and loam soils; that guidance is species-level rather than specific to this selection. ## Maintenance Keep the trunk clear of mower and trimmer injury, and inspect young branches as the canopy develops. UF/IFAS recommends early structural pruning for red maples because competing upright branches can form weak attachments. Provide water during establishment and extended dry periods.