Northern Spotlight® Korean Maple - Acer pseudosieboldianum 'KorDak' (RFM-72)

northern spotlight Northern Spotlight tree

Description:

A very winter hardy Korean maple selection. It has tolerated in excess of -40°F winter temperatures multiple times in a 125 to 140 day growing season in the Northern Plains. The popularly planted palmate-lobed maple species, namely, A. palmatum – Japanese Maple and A. japonicum – Fullmoon Maple, are Zone 5 to 8 species, and thus, not winterhardy in the Northern Plains. Northern Spotlight® has great potential to fill this void in Zones 3 and 4, suffering no winter stem or tip damage over a 20-year evaluation period. A collaborative introduction by NDSU and Greg Morgenson, former manager, Lincoln-Oakes Nurseries, Bismarck, ND.

Hardiness:

USDA Zones 3-8

Mature Size:

Height: 10-20', Spread: 10-20'

Form (Shape):

Upright with open layered branching

Growth Rate:

Slow to moderate

Foliage:

Summer foliage is medium green and has outstanding orange to orange-red fall colors develop unless interrupted by severe premature fall frost. Foliage is retained throughout the winter months, dropping as budbreak occurs in spring. Its palmate simple leaves are typically 7 to 9 lobed.

Texture:

Medium

Flower:

Small clusters of reddish-purple flowers that generally emerge before leaves expand in spring.

Light Preferences:

Full sun to partial shade

Soil Preferences:

Not particular to soil type or pH

Propagation:

Stem cuttings

Diseases/Damage:

Resistant to summer leaf scorch and tip burn generally caused by winds, high temperatures, and low humidity. In northern climates, leaf retention, as well as proper site selection, aid in protecting plant stems from winter sunscald.

Ornamental Attributes:

New foliage emerges later than other hardy maple species and is initially covered with a fine silky pubescence creating an interesting early visual effect.

Patent Status:

U.S. Trademark - Northern Spotlight®

Licensing:

This cultivar is available for non-exclusive licensing.

Availability:

Not available commercially at this time

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