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

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

30'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange Red

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Provide Shade

Shape

Broad Upright, Oval

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes