Trees
Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley'
Sun Valley red maple
Sun Valley is a seedless red maple developed by the United States National Arboretum from Red Sunset and Autumn Flame. Dark green summer leaves turn bright red in autumn. Dense branching creates a uniform oval crown, making its canopy shape and seasonal foliage the principal features of this sizable tree.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Size
- Height: 40 ft · Width: 35 ft
- Water
- Average to moist; well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA 5b (cold-hardiness rating)
Sizes & prices
- #15Sun Valley Red Maple$349.99
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
- Moderate to fast (red maple species guidance)
- Form
- Dense, symmetrical 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
- Caterpillar host
- Moths
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
- Fruit
- Seedless
- Fall color
- Bright 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
University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Montana State University Extension
Photo: pete. #hwcp / Flickr, CC BY 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY 2.0
Image notes: Sun Valley red maple. Photo: pete. #hwcp / Flickr, CC BY 2.0; resized for web.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.