Norwegian Sunset Maple and
Pacific Sunset Maple

Wow! Take a look at these two maples if you are not yet familiar with them. Consider the Norwegian Sunset Maple (Acer truncatum x A. platanoides ‘Keithsform’ P.P. #7529) and the Pacific Sunset Maple (Acer truncatum x A. platanoides ‘Warrenred’ P.P. #7433. Both of these trees appear to be fast growers, but with a moderate mature size, which is a nice combination. To most of us they might appear quite similar, but with some subtle variations.

The Norwegian Sunset has an upright oval form with good branch structure (wide angles) and uniform canopy. It has dark green glossy foliage that turns yellow-orange to red in fall. The Northwest Shade Tree Catalog and Schmidt Nursery claim that the ultimate canopy size for this tree grown for 30 years in average urban soil will be 35 ft. tall and 25 ft. wide.

The Pacific Sunset has an upright spreading rounded crown form with finer branch structure than Norwegian Sunset. The crown on Pacific Sunset is said to be slightly shorter at 30 ft. tall by 25 ft. wide. Summer foliage color is very glossy dark green with fall colors turning yellow-orange to red a little earlier than Norwegian Sunset. The literature I have seen leans more towards the Pacific Sunset as being the better of the two. They both appear to be very drought tolerant, showing little if any stress in the late dry summer.

Compared to most other maples, both the Norwegian and Pacific Sunset Maples, exhibit a thicker, more leathery leaf. These trees also transplant relatively easily. In our nursery and in the landscape, both trees color a bit differently depending on location and the season’s weather. Unfortunately, some years the red, almost maroon colored leaves tend to fall a little sooner than I would like. However, I find their fast growth, summer and fall color, and limited height especially exciting and useful. In fact, the Pacific Sunset may be acceptable under or next to relatively high power lines. Any thoughts about your experience with these trees would be appreciated.