Armstrong Gold Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Armstrong Gold') | Columnar Maple

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Armstrong Gold Red Maple

Acer rubrum Armstrong Gold

A fast-growing, columnar red maple with brilliant red twigs, more intensely colored foliage than 'Armstrong', and spectacular orange-red-yellow fall color.

$209.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Acer rubrum 'Armstrong Gold' is a fast-growing, columnar deciduous tree prized for its narrow, upright habit and vibrant, multi-season interest. A superior selection of the classic 'Armstrong' red maple, it features brilliant red new branches and twigs that provide striking winter color, emerging in spring with lobed, glossy, light green leaves that are more intensely colored and more compact in form than its predecessor. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a spectacular display of orange, red, and yellow. Its spring flowers are a valuable early-season food source for birds, butterflies, and squirrels. With its tall, narrow form (50-60 ft tall, only 12-15 ft wide), it is an outstanding choice for street plantings, narrow spaces, and as a dramatic vertical accent in larger landscapes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Lobed, glossy, light green leaves (more intense color than 'Armstrong'); brilliant orange, red, and yellow fall color; red new branches and twigs (winter interest); spring flowers attract birds, butterflies, and squirrels.
Mature Height: 50-60 ft.
Mature Spread: 12-15 ft (very narrow).
Growth Rate: Fast.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-9; Sunset A2-A3, 1-9, 14-17.
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade.
Core Benefits: Very narrow columnar habit, brilliant multi-season color (red twigs, green summer foliage, orange-red fall), fast-growing, excellent street tree.
Best Uses: Street tree, narrow spaces, privacy screen, vertical accent, larger landscapes, specimen tree.

Q: How is 'Armstrong Gold' different from the original 'Armstrong' red maple?
A: It has more intensely colored foliage and a more compact, tighter formthan the original 'Armstrong'. It also features brilliant red new branches and twigs that provide excellent winter interest.

Q: How large does Armstrong Gold Red Maple get?
A: It is a tall, narrow tree, typically reaching 50-60 feet in height and only 12-15 feet in spread at maturity, making it ideal for tight spaces, street plantings, and narrow landscapes.

Q: What is the fall color like?
A: The fall color is a spectacular mix of orange, red, and yellow, providing a vibrant, multi-toned display.

Q: What is unique about its branches?
A: The new branches and twigs are bright red, providing striking winter color and a beautiful contrast against the green summer foliage.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the spring flowers are a valuable early-season food source for birds, butterflies, and squirrels.