Taggerty Sunset Maple (Acer truncatum × platanoides)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Taggerty Sunset Maple
Latin Name: Acer truncatum × platanoides
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–7 (estimated for hybrid based on parent species).
Typical Height: 20–30 ft (6–9 m).
Typical Spread: 15–25 ft (4.5–7.5 m).
Bloom Period: Spring.
Soil Preferences: Prefers well drained loam to clay. Tolerates a range of soils and urban conditions. Poorly drained or waterlogged soils are problematic and can cause decline.
Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade. Best fall color when grown in full sun.
Toxicity: No widely recognized severe toxicity to people or common pets for most maples. Some maple species can cause problems for livestock. Verify risks for horses and for this cultivar.
Propagation: Cultivar propagation by grafting or budding to preserve traits. Seed propagation possible but will not produce true-to-type offspring.

Key Facts

A hybrid maple derived from Acer truncatum and Acer platanoides.
Small to medium shade tree often selected for landscape use.
Flowers appear in spring but are not a major ornamental feature.
Valued primarily for its foliage and fall color.
Tolerates a range of urban soils and moderate drought once established.
Prefers full sun to part shade for best color.
Cultivars are typically propagated by grafting to preserve characteristics.

Taggerty Sunset Maple is a hybrid maple of Acer truncatum and Acer platanoides grown as a small to medium landscape tree. It is chosen for dependable foliage and reliable fall color while tolerating a range of urban soils.

Identification

This hybrid maple is valued for its compact shade form and attractive leaves rather than showy flowers. Spring blooms are present but generally inconspicuous. Mature plants are typically cited as small to medium trees with a manageable crown suited to street and yard planting.

Best uses and where to grow

Use Taggerty Sunset Maple as a small shade tree in residential yards, along streets or in parks where a medium crown is wanted. It is estimated hardy to USDA zones 4 to 7 and tolerates urban soils and moderate drought once established. For strongest fall color plant it in full sun or light afternoon shade.

Planting and spacing

Plan spacing to match the expected crown spread of roughly 15 to 25 feet so trees do not crowd buildings or other plants. Choose a well drained planting site; avoid waterlogged locations. Place the root flare at or slightly above the finished soil level and firm soil around roots to eliminate air pockets.

Light and soil

Taggerty Sunset Maple prefers full sun to part shade and produces the best fall color in sunnier sites. It performs well in well drained loam to clay and tolerates compacted urban soils. Prolonged wet feet increase risk of decline, so improve drainage where soils stay saturated.

Watering and care

Establish young trees with regular watering during the first two growing seasons. Once established the cultivar tolerates moderate drought but prolonged dry spells will cause leaf stress and reduced vigor. Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature while keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Pruning and after-flowering care

Flowers are not a primary ornamental feature so pruning focuses on structure and clearance. Remove dead or crossing branches and thin the crown to maintain form. Make corrective pruning during dormant season to reduce stress and preserve the upright landscape habit.

Propagation

Named Taggerty Sunset selections are typically propagated by grafting or budding to preserve cultivar characteristics. Seed propagation will not produce true to type offspring, so grafted or budded nursery stock is the usual source for landscape trees.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Taggerty Sunset Maple grow?: Growth rate varies with site and rootstock but the cultivar is described as a small to medium tree that commonly reaches about 20 to 30 feet at maturity. Actual pace depends on soil, water and local climate.
What hardiness zones will it tolerate?: Hybrid hardiness is estimated from parent species and is generally given as USDA zones 4 to 7. Expect slower establishment in colder sites and less intense fall color in warmer climates.
Does it need full sun?: It grows in full sun to part shade. Planting in full sun encourages the best fall color while afternoon shade can reduce heat stress in hotter regions.
Can I use it as a street tree?: Yes. Its compact size, tolerance of urban soils and moderate drought tolerance make it suitable for streetscapes and confined planting strips when spacing allows for a 15 to 25 foot crown.
Will seedlings from this tree be identical?: No. Seedlings will not come true to type. For the same appearance buy grafted or budded nursery stock.