Flashfire Sugar Maple

Flashfire Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'JFS-Caddo2')

Flashfire Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'JFS-Caddo2') is a superior Caddo maple selection known for its early, intense fall color and exceptional drought and heat tolerance. Bred from a naturally hardy population of sugar maples native to southwestern Oklahoma, this cultivar is ideal for regions with hot summers, compacted soils, and challenging urban conditions. Its consistent bright red autumn display and dense, uniform canopy make it a standout for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Flashfire' matures to 40 to 50 feet tall with a rounded canopy spreading 35 to 40 feet wide. It features thick, dark green summer foliage that resists scorch, mildew, and leaf tatter - traits that set it apart from many other sugar maples. As early as late September, the leaves turn a vivid crimson red, often holding color longer than typical sugar maple cultivars. The tree's strong branching structure and symmetrical habit require minimal corrective pruning, and its tolerance of tough conditions makes it one of the most adaptable shade trees available.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun preferred for best growth rate and color performance.
• Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soils including clay and compacted sites; prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Water: Moderate; tolerant of dry periods once established.
• Humidity: Thrives in both humid and semi-arid climates; resistant to scorch in high-heat zones.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9; more heat and drought tolerant than typical sugar maple varieties.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Early red fall color and uniform form create high-impact seasonal interest.
• Street and Median Trees: Strong central leader and upright branching suit municipal landscapes.
• Urban Landscapes: Performs well in compacted, dry soils and withstands reflective heat and light.
• Parks and Large Lawns: Offers fast-growing shade with limited maintenance requirements.
• Commercial Sites: Durable and showy, perfect for retail centers, campuses, and civic grounds.

Low Maintenance Care

Flashfire Sugar Maple is easy to grow and needs little ongoing care once established. With a naturally strong structure and resistance to common maple issues, it's a reliable, long-lived addition to a wide range of planting designs.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; mature trees tolerate periodic drought.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; maintain shape with occasional winter thinning if desired.
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if soil nutrients are limited.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to scorch, mildew, and leaf tatter.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy across a wide range of zones; no special protection required.

Why Choose Flashfire Sugar Maple?

Flashfire Sugar Maple combines bold seasonal color with outstanding environmental toughness. Its early fall display and resistance to common stresses make it a smart, landscape-ready solution for designers and homeowners alike.

• Bright Early Fall Color: Vivid red leaves appear ahead of many other maples.
• Urban Tolerance: Withstands heat, drought, and compacted soils with ease.
• Clean Foliage: Glossy green summer leaves resist wind and sun damage.
• Uniform Growth Habit: Naturally rounded form with strong branch structure.
• Low Maintenance: Excellent health and vigor with minimal intervention.

For early fall color, strong structure, and urban adaptability, Flashfire Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'JFS-Caddo2') is a high-performance solution that delivers beauty and reliability in equal measure.