Armstrong Gold Maple - Acer rubrum Armstrong Gold®
Regular price
$495.00
Title
Transform Your Landscape with Brilliant Golden Fall Color
Armstrong Gold Maple delivers stunning golden yellow and orange fall color in a tight, improved columnar form that fits where most maples simply cannot. This fast-growing red maple cultivar reaches up to 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of just 10 to 12 feet, making it the ideal tree for narrow spaces, urban lots, and anywhere you want dramatic vertical interest without sacrificing precious yard space.
Why You'll Love It
-
Brilliant Golden Fall Display – Armstrong Gold Red Maple features stunning fall colors as its glossy leaves turn golden-yellow and orange in autumn, creating weeks of breathtaking seasonal interest in your landscape, similar to other compact maples with exceptional fall color.
-
Perfect for Tight Spaces – The columnar shape makes it ideal for urban environments and tight spaces, fitting beautifully along driveways, walkways, and narrow street planting sites where broader maples would overwhelm the area, much like versatile evergreen privacy trees such as Fern Pine.
-
Greater Foliage Density – This cultivar improves greatly on its parent with a fuller, more compact canopy. The tree produces large green leaves and a dense canopy that provides excellent shade and can be used as a privacy screen when planted in rows.
-
Improved Armstrong Genetics – Selected from hundreds of seedlings during a rigorous evaluation process by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Armstrong Gold was bred specifically for superior fall color, a less leggy growth habit, and stronger branch architecture.
-
Low Maintenance & Resilient – The tree is resilient against urban pollution and thrives in various soil conditions with minimal care needed once established. Homeowners who want instant impact can also consider mature trees for immediate shade and curb appeal. It is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more.
What Makes It Different
Most maples force you into a difficult trade-off: choose a tree with vibrant fall color and accept a wide, space-hungry canopy, or plant a narrow columnar form and settle for dull autumn foliage.
Armstrong Gold offers:
-
Selective Breeding from Hundreds of Seedlings – Officially registered as Acer rubrum 'JFS-KW78' (PP25301), this cultivar was chosen after evaluation of hundreds of Armstrong seedlings for improvements in color, density, and structure. The tree has brighter foliage color than its parent, the original Armstrong maple.
-
Enhanced Color Intensity – Where the parent Armstrong tends toward muted yellow-red tones, Armstrong Gold delivers vivid golden yellow to orange hues that arrive earlier in the fall season and last for weeks.
-
Compact, Less Leggy Growth Habit – The improved columnar form reduces the elongated, leggy growth habit common in standard Armstrong maples. Branches grow steeply upward, creating a tightly fastigiate silhouette with greater foliage density throughout the canopy. The tree offers a strong structure that reduces the risk of damage from ice or wind, much like other low-maintenance shade trees such as Red Push Pistache.
How To Grow The Armstrong Gold Maple Successfully
-
Plant in Your Chosen Location Place your Armstrong Gold Maple in a site with full sun to partial shade, positioning it at least 5–7 feet from buildings or fences. It is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam, though well-draining soil is preferred. Plant with the root flare at or slightly above grade.
-
Watch It Establish and Grow Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. The tree develops its columnar shape naturally with minimal pruning needed-just remove any dead or weak branches to maintain a strong central leader. It produces glossy medium-green foliage in spring and summer, and clusters of tiny red flowers appear in early spring, offering seasonal interest even before leaves emerge and pairing beautifully with flowering trees selected for extended bloom and color.
-
Enjoy Seasonal Transformation Each fall, watch as green summer foliage transforms to brilliant gold and orange. Armstrong Gold Red Maple enhances landscape vertical interest season after season, and the Armstrong Gold Maple can function as a vertical accent in landscapes year-round thanks to its striking columnar silhouette.
Product Details
-
Botanical Name: Acer rubrum 'Armstrong Gold' (JFS-KW78, PP25301)
-
Common Names: Armstrong Gold Maple, Armstrong Gold Columnar Red Maple
-
Mature Height: Armstrong Gold Maple grows up to 40 feet tall (up to 50 feet on ideal sites)
-
Mature Spread: 10 to 12 feet wide
-
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
-
Foliage: Glossy medium-green in spring and summer; golden-yellow and orange in fall, making it a striking complement to red-leaved Japanese maples like Bloodgood
-
Flowers: Clusters of tiny red flowers in early spring (March–April)
-
Soil Requirements: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers acidic to neutral, well-draining soil
-
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color and density in full sunlight, similar to other sun-loving red maples such as October Glory
-
Hardiness Zones: The tree is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
-
Available Sizes: Various container sizes and caliper measurements
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
Homeowners with narrow planting spaces or compact urban lots who want a tree that won't fill their entire yard
-
Landscape designers seeking a reliable columnar shade tree with standout fall color for streetscapes, commercial sites, or residential projects
-
Property owners wanting privacy - plant Armstrong Gold maples in rows to create a living privacy screen with dense foliage and vertical structure
-
Anyone who needs a low-maintenance tree that will thrive in challenging site conditions, from clay soil to urban pollution, or even hotter climates where drought-tolerant options like the California Pepper Tree suit dry landscapes
-
Gardeners in Zones 4–9 looking for a long-lived specimen tree - this is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more, and it pairs well with flowering ornamental trees like Red Crape Myrtle
If you want brilliant seasonal color, a compact form, and a healthy tree that continues to perform for decades, Armstrong Gold Maple fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide does Armstrong Gold Maple get? It features a compact, columnar growth habit with a mature spread of just 10 to 12 feet. It is ideal for narrow street planting sites, driveways, and parkway strips where wider maples would be a bad fit.
When does the fall color appear? Fall color typically arrives earlier than many other maples, beginning in early to mid-autumn. Its leaves turn golden-yellow and orange, and the display can last several weeks. In California, planting in a location with cooler nights or providing adequate water helps ensure the brightest foliage color, and it can be combined with Photinia hedges for contrasting evergreen structure.
What soil conditions does it prefer? Armstrong Gold is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam. It performs best in acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Avoid extremely alkaline heavy clay or areas with standing water. Amend with organic matter and fertilize based on soil test results to keep the tree healthy.
How fast does it grow? Growth rate is moderate to fast. Under good conditions with regular watering and full sun, expect the tree to reach its mature height of 40+ feet in roughly 20–30 years. It will fill out its columnar form more quickly than many standard red maple cultivars.
Is it easy to maintain? Yes. The improved columnar form recommends minimal pruning - just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the strong central leader. Once established, the tree is adaptable, resilient, and requires only moderate watering and occasional fertilization.
Ready to Add Stunning Fall Color?
Stop settling for ordinary trees that take up too much space or deliver disappointing autumn color. Armstrong Gold Maple gives you brilliant golden yellow and orange foliage, a unique columnar silhouette, and a compact footprint - all in one exceptional tree.
Transform Your Landscape with Brilliant Golden Fall Color
Armstrong Gold Maple delivers stunning golden yellow and orange fall color in a tight, improved columnar form that fits where most maples simply cannot. This fast-growing red maple cultivar reaches up to 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of just 10 to 12 feet, making it the ideal tree for narrow spaces, urban lots, and anywhere you want dramatic vertical interest without sacrificing precious yard space.
Why You'll Love It
-
Brilliant Golden Fall Display – Armstrong Gold Red Maple features stunning fall colors as its glossy leaves turn golden-yellow and orange in autumn, creating weeks of breathtaking seasonal interest in your landscape, similar to other compact maples with exceptional fall color.
-
Perfect for Tight Spaces – The columnar shape makes it ideal for urban environments and tight spaces, fitting beautifully along driveways, walkways, and narrow street planting sites where broader maples would overwhelm the area, much like versatile evergreen privacy trees such as Fern Pine.
-
Greater Foliage Density – This cultivar improves greatly on its parent with a fuller, more compact canopy. The tree produces large green leaves and a dense canopy that provides excellent shade and can be used as a privacy screen when planted in rows.
-
Improved Armstrong Genetics – Selected from hundreds of seedlings during a rigorous evaluation process by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Armstrong Gold was bred specifically for superior fall color, a less leggy growth habit, and stronger branch architecture.
-
Low Maintenance & Resilient – The tree is resilient against urban pollution and thrives in various soil conditions with minimal care needed once established. Homeowners who want instant impact can also consider mature trees for immediate shade and curb appeal. It is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more.
What Makes It Different
Most maples force you into a difficult trade-off: choose a tree with vibrant fall color and accept a wide, space-hungry canopy, or plant a narrow columnar form and settle for dull autumn foliage.
Armstrong Gold offers:
-
Selective Breeding from Hundreds of Seedlings – Officially registered as Acer rubrum 'JFS-KW78' (PP25301), this cultivar was chosen after evaluation of hundreds of Armstrong seedlings for improvements in color, density, and structure. The tree has brighter foliage color than its parent, the original Armstrong maple.
-
Enhanced Color Intensity – Where the parent Armstrong tends toward muted yellow-red tones, Armstrong Gold delivers vivid golden yellow to orange hues that arrive earlier in the fall season and last for weeks.
-
Compact, Less Leggy Growth Habit – The improved columnar form reduces the elongated, leggy growth habit common in standard Armstrong maples. Branches grow steeply upward, creating a tightly fastigiate silhouette with greater foliage density throughout the canopy. The tree offers a strong structure that reduces the risk of damage from ice or wind, much like other low-maintenance shade trees such as Red Push Pistache.
How To Grow The Armstrong Gold Maple Successfully
-
Plant in Your Chosen Location Place your Armstrong Gold Maple in a site with full sun to partial shade, positioning it at least 5–7 feet from buildings or fences. It is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam, though well-draining soil is preferred. Plant with the root flare at or slightly above grade.
-
Watch It Establish and Grow Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. The tree develops its columnar shape naturally with minimal pruning needed-just remove any dead or weak branches to maintain a strong central leader. It produces glossy medium-green foliage in spring and summer, and clusters of tiny red flowers appear in early spring, offering seasonal interest even before leaves emerge and pairing beautifully with flowering trees selected for extended bloom and color.
-
Enjoy Seasonal Transformation Each fall, watch as green summer foliage transforms to brilliant gold and orange. Armstrong Gold Red Maple enhances landscape vertical interest season after season, and the Armstrong Gold Maple can function as a vertical accent in landscapes year-round thanks to its striking columnar silhouette.
Product Details
-
Botanical Name: Acer rubrum 'Armstrong Gold' (JFS-KW78, PP25301)
-
Common Names: Armstrong Gold Maple, Armstrong Gold Columnar Red Maple
-
Mature Height: Armstrong Gold Maple grows up to 40 feet tall (up to 50 feet on ideal sites)
-
Mature Spread: 10 to 12 feet wide
-
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
-
Foliage: Glossy medium-green in spring and summer; golden-yellow and orange in fall, making it a striking complement to red-leaved Japanese maples like Bloodgood
-
Flowers: Clusters of tiny red flowers in early spring (March–April)
-
Soil Requirements: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers acidic to neutral, well-draining soil
-
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color and density in full sunlight, similar to other sun-loving red maples such as October Glory
-
Hardiness Zones: The tree is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
-
Available Sizes: Various container sizes and caliper measurements
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
Homeowners with narrow planting spaces or compact urban lots who want a tree that won't fill their entire yard
-
Landscape designers seeking a reliable columnar shade tree with standout fall color for streetscapes, commercial sites, or residential projects
-
Property owners wanting privacy - plant Armstrong Gold maples in rows to create a living privacy screen with dense foliage and vertical structure
-
Anyone who needs a low-maintenance tree that will thrive in challenging site conditions, from clay soil to urban pollution, or even hotter climates where drought-tolerant options like the California Pepper Tree suit dry landscapes
-
Gardeners in Zones 4–9 looking for a long-lived specimen tree - this is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more, and it pairs well with flowering ornamental trees like Red Crape Myrtle
If you want brilliant seasonal color, a compact form, and a healthy tree that continues to perform for decades, Armstrong Gold Maple fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide does Armstrong Gold Maple get? It features a compact, columnar growth habit with a mature spread of just 10 to 12 feet. It is ideal for narrow street planting sites, driveways, and parkway strips where wider maples would be a bad fit.
When does the fall color appear? Fall color typically arrives earlier than many other maples, beginning in early to mid-autumn. Its leaves turn golden-yellow and orange, and the display can last several weeks. In California, planting in a location with cooler nights or providing adequate water helps ensure the brightest foliage color, and it can be combined with Photinia hedges for contrasting evergreen structure.
What soil conditions does it prefer? Armstrong Gold is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam. It performs best in acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Avoid extremely alkaline heavy clay or areas with standing water. Amend with organic matter and fertilize based on soil test results to keep the tree healthy.
How fast does it grow? Growth rate is moderate to fast. Under good conditions with regular watering and full sun, expect the tree to reach its mature height of 40+ feet in roughly 20–30 years. It will fill out its columnar form more quickly than many standard red maple cultivars.
Is it easy to maintain? Yes. The improved columnar form recommends minimal pruning - just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the strong central leader. Once established, the tree is adaptable, resilient, and requires only moderate watering and occasional fertilization.
Ready to Add Stunning Fall Color?
Stop settling for ordinary trees that take up too much space or deliver disappointing autumn color. Armstrong Gold Maple gives you brilliant golden yellow and orange foliage, a unique columnar silhouette, and a compact footprint - all in one exceptional tree.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
You may also like...
Armstrong Gold Maple - Acer rubrum Armstrong Gold®
Regular price
$495.00
Title
Transform Your Landscape with Brilliant Golden Fall Color
Armstrong Gold Maple delivers stunning golden yellow and orange fall color in a tight, improved columnar form that fits where most maples simply cannot. This fast-growing red maple cultivar reaches up to 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of just 10 to 12 feet, making it the ideal tree for narrow spaces, urban lots, and anywhere you want dramatic vertical interest without sacrificing precious yard space.
Why You'll Love It
-
Brilliant Golden Fall Display – Armstrong Gold Red Maple features stunning fall colors as its glossy leaves turn golden-yellow and orange in autumn, creating weeks of breathtaking seasonal interest in your landscape, similar to other compact maples with exceptional fall color.
-
Perfect for Tight Spaces – The columnar shape makes it ideal for urban environments and tight spaces, fitting beautifully along driveways, walkways, and narrow street planting sites where broader maples would overwhelm the area, much like versatile evergreen privacy trees such as Fern Pine.
-
Greater Foliage Density – This cultivar improves greatly on its parent with a fuller, more compact canopy. The tree produces large green leaves and a dense canopy that provides excellent shade and can be used as a privacy screen when planted in rows.
-
Improved Armstrong Genetics – Selected from hundreds of seedlings during a rigorous evaluation process by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Armstrong Gold was bred specifically for superior fall color, a less leggy growth habit, and stronger branch architecture.
-
Low Maintenance & Resilient – The tree is resilient against urban pollution and thrives in various soil conditions with minimal care needed once established. Homeowners who want instant impact can also consider mature trees for immediate shade and curb appeal. It is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more.
What Makes It Different
Most maples force you into a difficult trade-off: choose a tree with vibrant fall color and accept a wide, space-hungry canopy, or plant a narrow columnar form and settle for dull autumn foliage.
Armstrong Gold offers:
-
Selective Breeding from Hundreds of Seedlings – Officially registered as Acer rubrum 'JFS-KW78' (PP25301), this cultivar was chosen after evaluation of hundreds of Armstrong seedlings for improvements in color, density, and structure. The tree has brighter foliage color than its parent, the original Armstrong maple.
-
Enhanced Color Intensity – Where the parent Armstrong tends toward muted yellow-red tones, Armstrong Gold delivers vivid golden yellow to orange hues that arrive earlier in the fall season and last for weeks.
-
Compact, Less Leggy Growth Habit – The improved columnar form reduces the elongated, leggy growth habit common in standard Armstrong maples. Branches grow steeply upward, creating a tightly fastigiate silhouette with greater foliage density throughout the canopy. The tree offers a strong structure that reduces the risk of damage from ice or wind, much like other low-maintenance shade trees such as Red Push Pistache.
How To Grow The Armstrong Gold Maple Successfully
-
Plant in Your Chosen Location Place your Armstrong Gold Maple in a site with full sun to partial shade, positioning it at least 5–7 feet from buildings or fences. It is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam, though well-draining soil is preferred. Plant with the root flare at or slightly above grade.
-
Watch It Establish and Grow Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. The tree develops its columnar shape naturally with minimal pruning needed-just remove any dead or weak branches to maintain a strong central leader. It produces glossy medium-green foliage in spring and summer, and clusters of tiny red flowers appear in early spring, offering seasonal interest even before leaves emerge and pairing beautifully with flowering trees selected for extended bloom and color.
-
Enjoy Seasonal Transformation Each fall, watch as green summer foliage transforms to brilliant gold and orange. Armstrong Gold Red Maple enhances landscape vertical interest season after season, and the Armstrong Gold Maple can function as a vertical accent in landscapes year-round thanks to its striking columnar silhouette.
Product Details
-
Botanical Name: Acer rubrum 'Armstrong Gold' (JFS-KW78, PP25301)
-
Common Names: Armstrong Gold Maple, Armstrong Gold Columnar Red Maple
-
Mature Height: Armstrong Gold Maple grows up to 40 feet tall (up to 50 feet on ideal sites)
-
Mature Spread: 10 to 12 feet wide
-
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
-
Foliage: Glossy medium-green in spring and summer; golden-yellow and orange in fall, making it a striking complement to red-leaved Japanese maples like Bloodgood
-
Flowers: Clusters of tiny red flowers in early spring (March–April)
-
Soil Requirements: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers acidic to neutral, well-draining soil
-
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color and density in full sunlight, similar to other sun-loving red maples such as October Glory
-
Hardiness Zones: The tree is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
-
Available Sizes: Various container sizes and caliper measurements
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
Homeowners with narrow planting spaces or compact urban lots who want a tree that won't fill their entire yard
-
Landscape designers seeking a reliable columnar shade tree with standout fall color for streetscapes, commercial sites, or residential projects
-
Property owners wanting privacy - plant Armstrong Gold maples in rows to create a living privacy screen with dense foliage and vertical structure
-
Anyone who needs a low-maintenance tree that will thrive in challenging site conditions, from clay soil to urban pollution, or even hotter climates where drought-tolerant options like the California Pepper Tree suit dry landscapes
-
Gardeners in Zones 4–9 looking for a long-lived specimen tree - this is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more, and it pairs well with flowering ornamental trees like Red Crape Myrtle
If you want brilliant seasonal color, a compact form, and a healthy tree that continues to perform for decades, Armstrong Gold Maple fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide does Armstrong Gold Maple get? It features a compact, columnar growth habit with a mature spread of just 10 to 12 feet. It is ideal for narrow street planting sites, driveways, and parkway strips where wider maples would be a bad fit.
When does the fall color appear? Fall color typically arrives earlier than many other maples, beginning in early to mid-autumn. Its leaves turn golden-yellow and orange, and the display can last several weeks. In California, planting in a location with cooler nights or providing adequate water helps ensure the brightest foliage color, and it can be combined with Photinia hedges for contrasting evergreen structure.
What soil conditions does it prefer? Armstrong Gold is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam. It performs best in acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Avoid extremely alkaline heavy clay or areas with standing water. Amend with organic matter and fertilize based on soil test results to keep the tree healthy.
How fast does it grow? Growth rate is moderate to fast. Under good conditions with regular watering and full sun, expect the tree to reach its mature height of 40+ feet in roughly 20–30 years. It will fill out its columnar form more quickly than many standard red maple cultivars.
Is it easy to maintain? Yes. The improved columnar form recommends minimal pruning - just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the strong central leader. Once established, the tree is adaptable, resilient, and requires only moderate watering and occasional fertilization.
Ready to Add Stunning Fall Color?
Stop settling for ordinary trees that take up too much space or deliver disappointing autumn color. Armstrong Gold Maple gives you brilliant golden yellow and orange foliage, a unique columnar silhouette, and a compact footprint - all in one exceptional tree.
Transform Your Landscape with Brilliant Golden Fall Color
Armstrong Gold Maple delivers stunning golden yellow and orange fall color in a tight, improved columnar form that fits where most maples simply cannot. This fast-growing red maple cultivar reaches up to 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of just 10 to 12 feet, making it the ideal tree for narrow spaces, urban lots, and anywhere you want dramatic vertical interest without sacrificing precious yard space.
Why You'll Love It
-
Brilliant Golden Fall Display – Armstrong Gold Red Maple features stunning fall colors as its glossy leaves turn golden-yellow and orange in autumn, creating weeks of breathtaking seasonal interest in your landscape, similar to other compact maples with exceptional fall color.
-
Perfect for Tight Spaces – The columnar shape makes it ideal for urban environments and tight spaces, fitting beautifully along driveways, walkways, and narrow street planting sites where broader maples would overwhelm the area, much like versatile evergreen privacy trees such as Fern Pine.
-
Greater Foliage Density – This cultivar improves greatly on its parent with a fuller, more compact canopy. The tree produces large green leaves and a dense canopy that provides excellent shade and can be used as a privacy screen when planted in rows.
-
Improved Armstrong Genetics – Selected from hundreds of seedlings during a rigorous evaluation process by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Armstrong Gold was bred specifically for superior fall color, a less leggy growth habit, and stronger branch architecture.
-
Low Maintenance & Resilient – The tree is resilient against urban pollution and thrives in various soil conditions with minimal care needed once established. Homeowners who want instant impact can also consider mature trees for immediate shade and curb appeal. It is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more.
What Makes It Different
Most maples force you into a difficult trade-off: choose a tree with vibrant fall color and accept a wide, space-hungry canopy, or plant a narrow columnar form and settle for dull autumn foliage.
Armstrong Gold offers:
-
Selective Breeding from Hundreds of Seedlings – Officially registered as Acer rubrum 'JFS-KW78' (PP25301), this cultivar was chosen after evaluation of hundreds of Armstrong seedlings for improvements in color, density, and structure. The tree has brighter foliage color than its parent, the original Armstrong maple.
-
Enhanced Color Intensity – Where the parent Armstrong tends toward muted yellow-red tones, Armstrong Gold delivers vivid golden yellow to orange hues that arrive earlier in the fall season and last for weeks.
-
Compact, Less Leggy Growth Habit – The improved columnar form reduces the elongated, leggy growth habit common in standard Armstrong maples. Branches grow steeply upward, creating a tightly fastigiate silhouette with greater foliage density throughout the canopy. The tree offers a strong structure that reduces the risk of damage from ice or wind, much like other low-maintenance shade trees such as Red Push Pistache.
How To Grow The Armstrong Gold Maple Successfully
-
Plant in Your Chosen Location Place your Armstrong Gold Maple in a site with full sun to partial shade, positioning it at least 5–7 feet from buildings or fences. It is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam, though well-draining soil is preferred. Plant with the root flare at or slightly above grade.
-
Watch It Establish and Grow Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. The tree develops its columnar shape naturally with minimal pruning needed-just remove any dead or weak branches to maintain a strong central leader. It produces glossy medium-green foliage in spring and summer, and clusters of tiny red flowers appear in early spring, offering seasonal interest even before leaves emerge and pairing beautifully with flowering trees selected for extended bloom and color.
-
Enjoy Seasonal Transformation Each fall, watch as green summer foliage transforms to brilliant gold and orange. Armstrong Gold Red Maple enhances landscape vertical interest season after season, and the Armstrong Gold Maple can function as a vertical accent in landscapes year-round thanks to its striking columnar silhouette.
Product Details
-
Botanical Name: Acer rubrum 'Armstrong Gold' (JFS-KW78, PP25301)
-
Common Names: Armstrong Gold Maple, Armstrong Gold Columnar Red Maple
-
Mature Height: Armstrong Gold Maple grows up to 40 feet tall (up to 50 feet on ideal sites)
-
Mature Spread: 10 to 12 feet wide
-
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
-
Foliage: Glossy medium-green in spring and summer; golden-yellow and orange in fall, making it a striking complement to red-leaved Japanese maples like Bloodgood
-
Flowers: Clusters of tiny red flowers in early spring (March–April)
-
Soil Requirements: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers acidic to neutral, well-draining soil
-
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color and density in full sunlight, similar to other sun-loving red maples such as October Glory
-
Hardiness Zones: The tree is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9
-
Available Sizes: Various container sizes and caliper measurements
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
Homeowners with narrow planting spaces or compact urban lots who want a tree that won't fill their entire yard
-
Landscape designers seeking a reliable columnar shade tree with standout fall color for streetscapes, commercial sites, or residential projects
-
Property owners wanting privacy - plant Armstrong Gold maples in rows to create a living privacy screen with dense foliage and vertical structure
-
Anyone who needs a low-maintenance tree that will thrive in challenging site conditions, from clay soil to urban pollution, or even hotter climates where drought-tolerant options like the California Pepper Tree suit dry landscapes
-
Gardeners in Zones 4–9 looking for a long-lived specimen tree - this is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more, and it pairs well with flowering ornamental trees like Red Crape Myrtle
If you want brilliant seasonal color, a compact form, and a healthy tree that continues to perform for decades, Armstrong Gold Maple fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide does Armstrong Gold Maple get? It features a compact, columnar growth habit with a mature spread of just 10 to 12 feet. It is ideal for narrow street planting sites, driveways, and parkway strips where wider maples would be a bad fit.
When does the fall color appear? Fall color typically arrives earlier than many other maples, beginning in early to mid-autumn. Its leaves turn golden-yellow and orange, and the display can last several weeks. In California, planting in a location with cooler nights or providing adequate water helps ensure the brightest foliage color, and it can be combined with Photinia hedges for contrasting evergreen structure.
What soil conditions does it prefer? Armstrong Gold is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam. It performs best in acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Avoid extremely alkaline heavy clay or areas with standing water. Amend with organic matter and fertilize based on soil test results to keep the tree healthy.
How fast does it grow? Growth rate is moderate to fast. Under good conditions with regular watering and full sun, expect the tree to reach its mature height of 40+ feet in roughly 20–30 years. It will fill out its columnar form more quickly than many standard red maple cultivars.
Is it easy to maintain? Yes. The improved columnar form recommends minimal pruning - just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the strong central leader. Once established, the tree is adaptable, resilient, and requires only moderate watering and occasional fertilization.
Ready to Add Stunning Fall Color?
Stop settling for ordinary trees that take up too much space or deliver disappointing autumn color. Armstrong Gold Maple gives you brilliant golden yellow and orange foliage, a unique columnar silhouette, and a compact footprint - all in one exceptional tree.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
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Thousands of Healthy Plants Delivered
Yardwork was so great to work with. First they had the Swan Hill olive trees that we had been searching for, we had contacted several other nurseries without any luck previously. Then they answered all of our questions in a timely matter prior to ordering and finally delivered within a few days of placing it. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable; they delivered and planted our trees with expertise to ensure that they would do well in our yard. We would definitely work with them again for future projects.
A Modern Experience
At Yardwork, we carefully curate thousands of plants, in all container sizes, to provide you with the best selection of the highest quality trees and plants at the best price, with the convenience of an online platform.
Uncompromised Quality
We choose only the finest specimens and hand select our plants just before delivery to ensure you receive the freshest and most robust specimens available for your landscape.
Industry Leading Warranties
Our 30, 90, and 365 extended warranties provide some of the best coverage to ensure our trees and plants thrive in your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.