In this guide, we’ll discuss the overlaps and differences of the Fall Fiesta® sugar maple vs. Autumn Blaze maple tree. So, we’ll cover the plant classifications, physical characteristics, native ranges and ideal growing conditions, landscape uses, and their fall foliage. Well, without further ado, let’s jump into the wonderful world of these gorgeous Fall beauties.
Fall Fiesta® Sugar Maple vs. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree: A Quick Look
Plant Classification
While both plants are part of the Acer genus of maple trees, they are distinct species. The Fall Fiesta® sugar maple is classified botanically as Acer saccharum ‘Balista’. The Autumn Blaze hybrid is classified as Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ or Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’. Since they belong to the same genus, both plants belong to the same botanical family. Some botanists place maple trees in their own genus, Aceraceae, while others consider maple trees as part of the Sapindaceae family.
Fall Fiesta® Sugar Maple vs. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree: Plant Characteristics
So, when it comes to distinguishing between the Fall Fiesta® sugar maple vs. Autumn Blaze maple tree, you’ll need to learn some important small distinctions to accurately identify them. Indeed, both plants share a number of characteristics typical of maple trees. Of course, these similarities include similar growing habits, bold fall foliage, and palmate, lobed leaves. However, you’ll notice some differences between the trees in their leaf shapes, trunk textures/shades, shades of fall colors, and the overall shapes of the canopy and branching patterns.
Fall Fiesta® Sugar Maple vs. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree: Differences
Indeed, while both trees have palmate, 5-lobed leaves, the Autumn Blaze maple has irregularly toothed serrations along the margin. In comparison, the Fall Fiesta® sugar maple has 5-lobed, palmate leaves, but they are smooth along the margin and not quite as pointy. So, take a close look at the foliage to distinguish one from the other. Additionally, the overall shape of the trees is a bit different from each other. The Fall Fiesta® sugar maple is known for having a lovely symmetrical, rounded, and dense canopy that makes it an excellent shade tree. While the Autumn Blaze maple has a similar spread at maturity of 30-40 feet, it has a less dense canopy and does not typically grow as symmetrically. Instead, this tree has an ascending branching pattern that narrows towards the top of the tree. While both trees have grey trunks, the Fall Fiesta® sugar maple’s trunk is a bit darker shade of grey, deeply furrowed, and is not prone to splitting. In contrast, the Autumn Blaze maple’s trunk is a shade lighter grey and is prone to trunk splitting. So, regarding Fall foliage, you can easily distinguish these two trees from one another. While both produce brilliant foliage displays, the shades of orange and red on the Autumn Blaze maple are noticeably brighter and more vivid. Finally, the height at maturity of these two trees can distinguish them. While the Fall Fiesta® sugar maple tends to reach heights of 60-75 feet at maturity, the Autumn Blaze maple generally reaches heights of 40-55 feet.
Native Ranges and Ideal Growing Conditions
So, the native range of both trees includes the hardwood forests of eastern North America and parts of the Midwest. However, the Autumn Blaze hybrid’s native range can also include larger parts of the central and southern US. While both of these species are currently cultivated for nursery production, they are naturally occurring species. The Fall Fiesta® sugar maple is a naturally occurring variety of the sugar maple, Acer saccharum. As a hybrid, the Autumn Blaze maple is a naturally occurring cross between the red maple, Acer robrum, and the silver maple, Acer saccharinum. Both trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. They both prefer to grow in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The Fall Fiesta® sugar maple prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, while the Autumn Blaze maple grows happily in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it has some drought tolerance.
Fall Fiesta® Sugar Maple vs. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree: Landscape Uses
As trees with fantastic Fall foliage, both are excellent specimen trees that can thrive in spacious yards or parks. However, if planting in urban spaces, it’s advisable to choose the hardier, more adaptable Autumn Blaze maple tree over the less hardy, less pollution-tolerant Fall Fiesta®. In urban areas, the Autumn Blaze maple can make a gorgeous addition to parks, medians, parking lots, and small yards. As a hardy tree, it can withstand many irritants of growing in urban areas such as road salt, air pollution, and small growing spaces. Its shallow root systems won’t disturb buried pipes, however, if planted too shallow, the roots can surface and crack sidewalks or parking lots.
Fall Foliage
Alas, when comparing maple trees, it’s always good to consider how different species will display fall foliage. Since the Autumn Blaze maple has red maple in its lineage, this tree produces absolutely brilliant, bright red and orange fall colors. While it may not have as lovely of a growing pattern, its Fall leaves are some of the brightest of maple species. In comparison, the Fall Fiesta® sugar maple also produces absolutely lovely fall colors, but they tend to be more subdued shades of yellow, orange, and red.
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