Freeman Maple – ‘Marmo’
Scientific name: Acer x freemanii ‘Marmo’
‘Marmo’ is a medium- to large-sized, deciduous tree with a broad columnar shape and strong central leader. ‘Marmo’ maple is a cultivated variety of a hybrid of two native species: red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum).
Interestingly, crosses between these species occur naturally in the wild, as well as by controlled propagation. These trees grow very quickly and reach 45-70 ft in height and 35-40 ft in width. ‘Marmo’ comes from a species of tree originally from the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, which were planted near Lake Marmo in 1920.
In spring, five-lobed, green leaves tinted with red appear from red petioles (the stalks that attach leaves to the stem). The fall colors range from scarlet-green to burgundy-yellow. The small flowers do not produce seed. Full sun exposure is preferred. This tree adapts to a wide range of conditions and is considered urban tolerant, making it a fine option for a rain garden, shade tree, street tree, or accent tree. ‘Marmo’ grows in plant hardiness zones 3-9.
