Maple, Helena

Helena maple (Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred') is a deciduous tree that is commonly used as a shade tree and as an ornamental tree in landscapes. It is a hybrid between the red maple and silver maple, and can grow up to 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) tall and 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters) wide.

The tree has a pyramidal habit with a rounded canopy, and produces small, red flowers in early spring that are followed by winged fruit in summer. Its foliage is a glossy green color throughout the growing season, turning a brilliant orange-red in the fall. The Helena maple has a smooth gray bark when young, which eventually develops some furrows and fissures as the tree matures.

Helena maple is known for its rapid growth rate and its attractive foliage, which makes it a popular choice for street plantings and other urban landscapes. It is also relatively tolerant of drought and urban pollution, and resistant to pests and diseases.