V.J. Drake Red Maple Tree

V.J. Drake is the name used for the red maple selection ‘Drake’, named for Virgil James Drake and introduced by Schmidt Nursery. Its distinguishing feature is prolonged autumn color, with foliage changing from green through violet to red and yellow ([Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/acer/acer-rubrum/)). That reference gives it a USDA hardiness rating of Zone 4. ## Landscape use and size Use this deciduous, medium-to-large tree as a specimen or autumn-color accent where there is room for a substantial canopy and spreading roots. No cultivar-specific mature dimensions were found; the [Morton Arboretum’s red maple profile](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/red-maple/) gives general species dimensions of 40–60 feet tall and 35–45 feet wide, which can help frame the space needed without promising a cultivar-specific size. ## Seasonal interest and siting The foliage is green through the growing season before its unusually long autumn sequence of violet, red and yellow. General red-maple guidance lists full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil, and adaptability to clay and other soil types ([UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST041)). Choose a site with consistent moisture and enough room for surface roots; red maple is not a good match for persistently dry conditions. ## Maintenance Water while the tree establishes and during extended dry weather. Keep lawn equipment away from the thin trunk bark, and plan for surface roots beneath the crown. UF/IFAS recommends structural pruning while young to reduce weak branch attachments; avoid large pruning cuts in spring when maples may bleed sap.