Plant Library

Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley'

Sun Valley Red Maple

Acer rubrum ‘Sun Valley’ is a top-performing red maple cultivar selected for its exceptional heat tolerance, strong branch structure, and consistent fall color, making it especially well suited for warmer regions where some red maples struggle.
Spring brings small red flowers, followed by dark green, glossy foliage that holds well through summer with minimal scorch. In fall, ‘Sun Valley’ develops bright orange-red to vivid scarlet color, often uniform across the canopy. The growth habit is upright to oval-rounded, forming a well-shaped medium to large shade tree with excellent structural integrity.
‘Sun Valley’ performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soils, including heat-prone and moderately dry sites, once established. It is valued for its durability, improved heat resistance, and reliable seasonal color.
Size


Width: 30–40 ft


Height: 45–55 ft


Hardiness


USDA Zones: 4–9


Best Uses


Medium to large shade tree


Southern and heat-exposed landscapes


Residential lawns and parks


Street tree (with adequate space)


Reliable fall color focal point



Patent Information


Patent: Yes


Patent No.: PP13,162


Patent Holder: J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.


If you want, I can retro-add patent info to any earlier Acer rubrum entries we’ve already done so everything stays perfectly consistent.








































ChatGPT c

Minimum zone

4

Maximum zone

7

Height

30'

Width

15-20'