Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' (Red Maple)

Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' is a positively stunning variety of red maple, a classic deciduous shade tree found in forests and backyards throughout much of the eastern United States. The perfect cultivar for canopy planting or naturalizing in larger forests, as well as for specimen planting in more formal landscapes, the 'Brandywine' variety is perhaps best known for its vivid red fall color. As an intentionally crossed hybrid of two absolute stunner red maples, 'October Glory' and 'Autumn Flame,' the 'Brandywine' cultivar is sure to amaze with its attractive fall foliage, turning a bright, fiery red before fading to a more muted red-wine purple. Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' is fast-growing and slightly more compact than its parent species, typically reaching a mature size of 35-50' tall with a canopy 25-40' wide. 

Like other maples, Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' prefers acidic, wet to moist soils, but is also adaptable to drier, more upland conditions; 'Brandywine' also tolerates full sun and partial shade, as well as a variety of soil types, which makes it a great fit for most garden conditions. Beyond its ornamental appeal and versatility in the landscape, Acer rubrum 'Brandywine' is also a host plant for a number of moth and butterfly species, including the adorable Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) and the majestic Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) which, alongside seeds, attract a number of birds to the summer and fall gardens. 'Brandywine' is also an all-male variety, meaning no pesky winged seed-pods to clog gutters and clutter sidewalks; having no seeds limits this variety's appeal to some types of foraging bird and small mammals, but as a host plant for a number of caterpillar varieties, birds will still flock to these medium-large trees for mealtime, and trees still hold an enormous amount of ecological value to native gardens.