How to Grow Schwedler Maple
Wikimedia Commons
Schwedler Maple
Acer platanoides 'Schwedleri'
treeSchwedler Maple is a deciduous ornamental tree prized for its dramatic foliage that emerges deep red or purple in spring, gradually transitions to dark green in summer, and turns brilliant orange-red in fall. It's a large, upright tree with a dense, rounded crown that provides excellent shade and year-round visual interest. This cultivar is a non-invasive variety of Norway Maple, making it a responsible choice for landscapes.
When should you plant Schwedler Maple in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Schwedler Maple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Schwedler Maple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Schwedler Maple
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Schwedler Maple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, with best performance in zones 4-6
Sign up free to see if Schwedler Maple grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Schwedler Maple timeline →Growth Stages
Young Sapling
1-2 yearsNew tree establishment phase with tender branches and emerging foliage. Spectacular red spring growth is the signature feature.
Water frequently to establish deep roots. Install tree stake for support in windy locations. Prune any competing leaders to establish single main trunk. Protect young bark from sunscald in winter.
Juvenile Growth
3-5 yearsRapid height and branch development. Red spring foliage transitions to dark green. Crown begins to fill out and take shape.
Continue regular watering during dry periods. Prune lower branches to raise crown. Thin crowded branches to improve structure. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth seems slow.
Vegetative Maturity
5-15 yearsTree reaches near-mature size with fully developed branch structure and dense foliage. Spring red color fully develops each year.
Reduce watering frequency as tree becomes drought-tolerant. Prune only to remove crossing or diseased branches. Maintain clear trunk space. Monitor for pest and disease issues.
Full Maturity
15+ yearsLarge, established shade tree with fully dense crown reaching 40-50 feet. Produces abundant winged seeds (samaras) in summer.
Minimal intervention needed. Water during severe drought. Prune only dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Apply wound dressing to pruning cuts. Monitor for storm damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Natural predators like ladybugs help control populations.
-
No cure; manage by pruning affected branches and improving tree health. Plant resistant varieties if replacing infected trees.
-
Rake and remove fallen leaves to break disease cycle. Apply fungicide in spring if severe. Usually cosmetic only.
-
Prune heavily infested branches. Apply horticultural oil in late winter or early spring.
-
Hand-pick egg masses in winter, deploy pheromone traps, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if outbreak occurs.
Uses
Specimen Landscape Tree
CraftSchwedler Maple serves as a focal point in landscapes due to its distinctive red spring foliage and reliable fall color. Its size and shape make it ideal for creating shade in residential yards and public spaces. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeThe tree provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. Winged samaras are eaten by wildlife, and insects attracted to the tree feed songbirds. [source]
Shade & Temperature Regulation
HouseholdLarge mature trees reduce summer cooling costs significantly by providing dense shade to homes and landscapes. The deciduous nature allows winter sun penetration for passive heating. [source]
Maple Syrup Production (Limited)
CulinaryWhile Norway Maple sap can be processed into syrup, it's less preferred than Sugar Maple due to lower sugar content. Primarily ornamental, but the sap has minor syrup-making potential. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, maple bark and leaves have been used in preparations believed to support circulation and wound healing, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
No harvest required for ornamental purposes. Schwedler Maple is grown for foliage display. Samaras (winged seeds) disperse naturally in summer and fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Schwedler Maple's red spring foliage is caused by anthocyanin pigments that develop before chlorophyll production begins—this temporary color display is one of nature's most dramatic spring ornaments.
- 🌱 This cultivar was selected in the mid-1800s in Germany and named after Johann Schwedler, a noted horticulturist, specifically for its non-invasive seed characteristics compared to the species, making it a responsible choice for urban forestry.
- 🌱 A mature Schwedler Maple can live 200+ years and grow to 50-60 feet tall, becoming a multi-generational family landmark; some specimens in Europe exceed 300 years old.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Schwedler Maple planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Schwedler Maple seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Schwedler Maple timeline →