Anatomy and Morphology of Select Red Maple Cultivars

This study was conducted to compare and define foliage features of select red maple and red maple hybrid cultivars under similar environmental conditions. Nine red maple ( Acer rubrum ) cultivars, three Freeman maple ( Acer x freemanii ) cultivars, and a red maple seedling selection were evaluated in a field study for differences in average leaf area, petiole length, stomatal density, foliar nitrogen (N) content, and chlorophyll content. Leaves of the three A. x freemanii cultivars were the largest. Leaves of A. rubrum ‘Autumn Flame’ were the smallest. ‘Autumn Blaze’ had the highest stomatal density. Leaf photographs of each cultivar are included.