This single plant selection originated from a northwest Minnesota native population seed lot and was noted for its early intense fall coloration as a two-year old seedling. This selection has been fully hardy in USDA hardiness zone 3b. September Flare™ is a very hardy sugar maple seedling selection exhibiting heavy textured tatter resistant foliage, consistent mid-September into early October showy red-orange fall coloration, and excellent winter hardiness in the Northern Plains to -40 degrees F. This selection is notable for its early annual display of excellent reliable fall color, which is photoperiod initiated and not frost dependent in this northern climate setting. September Flare™ begins fall coloring before other trees in the landscape which extends the fall color season significantly. Early fall coloring is also indicative of increased winter hardiness because of earlier winter acclimation. Growing in a full sod boulevard condition for its length of evaluation, September Flare™ will reach a height of 40 feet with a 30 foot canopy spread. Recommended for use in a landscape, public grounds, boulevard (larger), parks, schools, and as a golf course tree, wherever tree diversity and adaptability to northern conditions are important. September Flare™ prefers a deep, well-drained, non-droughty soil and will tolerate higher pH levels than the species. Foliage exhibits a heavy textured tatter resistant foliage with excellent medium green color throughout the summer, showing no signs of chlorosis on a soil pH exceeding 8. Grafting studies have shown that early fall coloring is a consistent trait and grafted plants reliably color at the same time each year, mid-September, independently from seasonal temperatures and fall frost events like other fall coloring trees. Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3b-6 Mature Size: Height: 40-50', Spread: 30-40' Form (Shape): Upright oval Growth Rate: Medium Foliage: Summer: Green to dark green, heavier leaf texture typical of northern prairie sources. Autumn: Fall coloration beginning in the late second to third week of September as an orange-red tint in the upper canopy foliage, spreading to orange-red throughout the tree, and ending with radiant orange-red to red foliage coloration before leaf fall by mid-October. Texture: Medium Flower: Produced in drooping corymbs before the leaves emerge. Shortlived spring interest, not overly showy. Fruit: Two winged samara ripening in fall, not showy. Light Preference: Full sun exposure Soil Preference: Prefers a deep, well-drained, non-droughty soil, will tolerate higher pH levels than the species. Propagation: Summer budding onto northern sugar maple rootstocks. Ornamental Attributes: A very winter hardy selection with good crown density exhibiting excellent summer foliage quality and outstanding fall coloration of an orange-red to red color. Begins fall coloring before other trees in the landscape extend fall color season. Landscape Attributes: Recommended for use as a landscape, public grounds, boulevard (larger), parks, schools, and golf course tree, wherever tree diversity and adaptability to northern conditions are important. Comments: This selection is notable for its early annual display of excellent reliable fall color, which is photoperiod initiated and not frost dependent in this northern climate setting. Patent Status
Availability: Not available commercially yet