Matador Maple

Matador is a Freeman maple, the same red-and-silver maple cross as Autumn Blaze, selected for a more upright, oval crown and glossy, deep green summer leaves. In fall it turns a clear scarlet red that holds on the tree a little longer than most maples.

It grows fast, around 2-3 feet a year when young, and makes little mess: Matador is a seedless selection, so there are no helicopters to rake. Its narrower habit fits yards, boulevards, and commercial sites where a full-spreading maple would crowd the space.

Growing conditions

• Hardiness zone: 4
• Mature height: 45-50 feet
• Mature spread: 35-40 feet
• Growth rate: 2-3 feet per year
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Medium
• Fall color: Scarlet red
• Tolerates: Wet and dry soils, urban conditions