Freeman Maple
Scientific name: Acer × freemanii
Overview
Freeman Maple is a naturally occurring and widely cultivated hybrid maple resulting from a cross between Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum). Named in honor of American botanist Oliver M. Freeman, this hybrid combines many of the most desirable characteristics of both parent species, including rapid growth, attractive branching, excellent adaptability, and brilliant fall color.
Although Freeman Maple is grown extensively as an ornamental and landscape tree throughout North America, it is not considered a commercial timber species. Most trees are cultivated in urban landscapes, parks, and residential settings rather than managed forests. When wood is available, it closely resembles that of its parent species, possessing a fine, uniform texture and moderate strength suitable for specialty woodworking and turning projects.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Freeman Maple
- Scientific Name: Acer × freemanii
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 40–70 ft (12–21 m) tall, 1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 35 lbs/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 900 lbf
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and uniform
Identification Characteristics
Freeman Maple produces pale cream to light reddish-brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood that is often difficult to distinguish. The grain is generally straight with a fine, even texture and a smooth surface. Because it is a hybrid, wood characteristics may vary somewhat depending on which parent species is more strongly expressed. The tree is best known for its rapid growth and vibrant orange to red autumn foliage.
Key identification traits include:
- Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood
- Nearly white sapwood
- Straight grain
- Fine, uniform texture
- Low natural luster
- Rapid-growing hybrid maple
- Brilliant orange to red fall color
Working Properties
Freeman Maple machines easily with both hand and power tools. The wood cuts cleanly, sands smoothly, and accepts stains and finishes well. Its fine texture also makes it suitable for turning, carving, and small woodworking projects.
- Machines easily
- Turns well
- Carves cleanly
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Glues readily
- Accepts stains and clear finishes well
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard woodworking safety practices, including dust collection and respiratory protection, are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Although Freeman Maple is rarely harvested commercially, the wood is suitable for numerous woodworking applications when available, including:
- Turned objects
- Wood carvings
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Decorative boxes
- Craft projects
- Small specialty items
- Musical instrument components
- Educational wood collections
- Arborist salvage woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Freeman Maple is one of the most widely planted landscape trees in North America because of its rapid growth, tolerance of urban conditions, and outstanding fall color. Since it is a hybrid rather than a naturally widespread forest species, most available wood comes from arborist removals or storm-damaged landscape trees rather than commercial logging operations.
Numerous named cultivars have been developed, including popular selections such as ‘Autumn Blaze,’ which has become one of the most widely planted ornamental shade trees in North America.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Red Maple – One of the two parent species, valued for its attractive appearance, adaptability, and widespread use in furniture and millwork.
Silver Maple – The other parent species, known for its rapid growth, lightweight wood, and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions.
Black Maple – A closely related North American maple prized for quality lumber, furniture, cabinetry, and flooring.
Related Guides
Maple Species Guide – Compare maple species and hybrids from around the world while learning how they differ in appearance, growth habits, and woodworking characteristics.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Learn why maples remain among the world’s most popular hardwoods for furniture, cabinetry, and interior woodworking.
Labeling and Cataloging Wood Samples – Discover how to properly identify and document hybrids and uncommon wood specimens in a collection.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Freeman Maple is an interesting collector species because it represents one of the few naturally occurring and commercially recognized hybrid hardwoods. While its wood closely resembles that of Red Maple and Silver Maple, its hybrid origin gives it unique botanical significance. A documented specimen complements collections featuring Red Maple, Silver Maple, Black Maple, Rocky Mountain Maple, Mountain Maple, Striped Maple, and other members of the Acer genus while demonstrating the diversity that can arise through natural hybridization.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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