Trees

Acer rubrum 'Franksred'

Red Sunset red maple

Red Sunset red maple. Photo: wlcutler / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Red Sunset develops an upright, oval crown supported by a regular branching pattern. Glossy dark green foliage fills the canopy through summer, changing to orange-red and red in autumn. Selected by J. Frank Schmidt Jr., this vigorous red maple is a substantial shade tree rather than a small ornamental maple.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 45 ft · Width: 35 ft
Water: Average to moist; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 4 (cold-hardiness rating)

Sizes & prices

#15Frank Schmidt's Red Sunset maple. Super heat tolerant with amazing red fall colorCall for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Shade tree
Foliage: Deciduous
Planting space: Surface roots can lift nearby paving and compete with plants beneath the canopy.
Growth rate: Fast
Form: Upright oval

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Deer browse young shoots; occasional severe damage is reported for red maple.
Drought: Some tolerance once established; water in extended dry spells.
Wet soil: Species tolerates occasional flooding and wet soil; avoid prolonged stagnant saturation.
Clay soil: Tolerated; slightly acidic soil is preferred.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Pollinators
Caterpillar host: Moths
Birds: Seeds provide food

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar of eastern North American red maple, a Cincinnati-region native species. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Fall color: Orange-red to red

Growing & care

Site: Prefers slightly acidic soil. Allow space between surface roots and paving.
Pruning: Prune lightly, removing dead, damaged or rubbing branches while preserving the natural outline. For elective cuts, wait until the leaves are fully expanded to reduce maple sap bleeding; large limbs need a qualified arborist.
Soil: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soil; clay is tolerated. Alkaline soil can cause manganese chlorosis.

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Iowa State University Extension

Montana State University Extension

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: wlcutler / Flickr, CC BY 2.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY 2.0

Image notes: Red Sunset red maple. Photo: wlcutler / Flickr, CC BY 2.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.