Acer rubrum Somerset - Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Somerset' is a variety of red maple selected for its autumn foliage that turns scarlet as soon as the first cold weather arrives. Vigorous and fairly fast-growing, it forms a tree of beautiful stature, with a closed oval crown. It is only suitable for sufficiently large grounds and moist, non-limestone soils.

Native to the Northeastern United States and Canada, Acer rubrum is known by various names depending on the region, such as Canadian Maple, Red Maple, or Virginia Maple. It is a large forest tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). The Canadian Maple can reach a height of 30 m in its natural habitat. This light and semi-shade loving species can live up to 200 years. Its wood is commonly used in furniture making.
Acer rubrum 'Somerset' will reach a height of 8 to 12 m with a spread of 5 to 8 m. This beautiful tree has a fairly vigorous growth. It is resistant to severe frost (hardy to -30°C or even lower), but does not tolerate wind. It will thrive in deep and moist, acidic and clayey soil, where its autumn colours will be much more intense. Its bark is grey, slightly channelled, and peels off in small strips. Flowering takes place in March-April on bare branches. It consists of tiny dark red flowers gathered in clusters visited by pollinators. This 'Somerset' variety is sterile and does not produce fruits. The foliage is deciduous, appearing after flowering and falling in autumn. The leaves are palmate and lobed, thick, shiny and dark green on the upper side and bluish green on the underside. From October onwards, they turn orange and shades of red before falling.

In the garden, the 'Somerset' red maple can be planted alone or with other trees to create a large green screen at the boundaries of the countryside. You can associate it with Himalayan birch, which appreciates the same soil conditions and will form a beautiful scene in spring and during autumn colourations. The Golden Sun Liquidambar with its yellow spring foliage and crimson autumn colours will create spectacular colour contrasts. Nyssa sylvatica, which also colours beautifully at the end of the season, is cultivated like red maple in cool and acidic soils.