Trees

Acer truncatum × Acer platanoides 'JFS-KW202'

Crimson Sunset maple

Crimson Sunset maple at Plant Delights Nursery, November 3, 2025. Late-autumn specimen with sparse remaining foliage; summer foliage is fuller. Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Crimson Sunset carries deep purple foliage on an upright, oval framework. Its breeder highlights summer heat tolerance inherited through its Shantung maple parentage, distinguishing it from many other purple-leaved shade trees. Autumn brings maroon to reddish-bronze color, while the comparatively compact crown still develops into a substantial landscape tree.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 35 ft · Width: 25 ft
Water: Moderate; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 4–8

Sizes & prices

#20$289.99

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
Form: Upright oval
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth rate: Moderate

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Listed as resistant; not immune to browsing.
Drought: Tolerant once established; water through prolonged dry spells.
Wet soil: Provide well-drained soil; avoid persistent saturation.
Heat: Breeder-selected for summer heat tolerance

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

Seasonal interest

Fruit: Winged maple seeds (samaras)
Foliage: Crimson-purple leaves retain their color through summer.

Growing & care

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: Average, medium-moist, well-drained soil; clay and loam are suitable.

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

University of Minnesota Extension

Utah State University Extension

Iowa State University Extension

NC State Extension

The Morton Arboretum

Photo: Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP; same license applies. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Crimson Sunset maple at Plant Delights Nursery, November 3, 2025. Late-autumn specimen with sparse remaining foliage; summer foliage is fuller. Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.

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