Description

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King', also known as the Purple Flat Maple or Crimson King, is a cultivated variety of the Flat Maple (Acer platanoides), a deciduous tree in the Aceraceae family. It is hardy and tolerant and prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil and part shade. It is distinguished by its intense purple foliage. The smooth leaves are palmate with five lobes. The bark is generally grey-brown, smooth on young trees, becoming more fissured with age. The flowers appear in spring before the leaves. They are yellow-green and inconspicuous. The fruits are the winged samaras typical of maples, light brown in colour and grouped in clusters that ripen at the end of summer.

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Origin

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' is a horticultural variety that was developed in Germany in the nurseries of the 19th century. It is derived from the flat maple, which is native to Europe, Western Asia and Central Asia. It is widely planted for ornamental purposes in parks, gardens and green spaces because of its spectacular foliage and bright autumn colours, as well as along roadsides. Although its wood is not generally used for commercial purposes, it can be used locally as firewood or to make handicrafts.