Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple

Overview & Description

The Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Bailsta) is a superior, fast-growing selection of the native North American sugar maple, prized for its exceptional resilience and spectacular autumn display. Its thick, leathery, glossy deep green leaves are notably resistant to leaf tatter, leaf scorch, and leafhopper damage, maintaining a healthy, attractive appearance throughout the summer. In fall, the foliage erupts into a brilliant fiery blend of yellow, orange, and vivid scarlet-redfar more intense than standard sugar maples. Pale yellow-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge, followed by typical paired samaras.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, rounded, symmetrical growth habit with a strong central leader . It is a moderately fast-growing shade tree, typically reaching a mature size of about 50 75 feet in height with a spread of 40 50 feet.

Additional Notes

It blooms in April with insignificant flowers . Exceptionally winter-hardy to Zone 4, it tolerates heat, wind, and occasional drought once established . Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil . Prune only in summer to avoid excessive sap bleeding . An outstanding choice for a large shade, specimen, or heritage tree where reliable, vibrant fall color and robust performance are desired .