Tree of Merit: Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple
(Acer saccharum 'Bailsta')
The Fall Fiesta sugar maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta')
is a patented cultivar selected in 1987 from a group
of seedlings at Bailey Nurseries in Yamhill, Oregon.
It was chosen because of its vigorous growth rate;
upright, symmetrical form; and leather y leaves
that are resistant to scorch and tatter caused by
droughty or windy conditions, respectively.
Fall Fiesta is an excellent shade tree with a dense, rounded
crown; it maintains its shape and requires little prun-
ing. Its fall color may consist of more oranges and reds
than other sugar maple varieties, and it exhibits excel-
lent winter hardiness, from USDA Zones 3 to 8. Healthy
trees don't have significant pest or disease problems.
Although it prefers a slightly acidic soil, Fall Fiesta
adapts well to differences in soil pH. It doesn't, how-
ever, tolerate compacted soils or salt, and if planted
in high pH soils may become deficient in manga-
nese. It is somewhat sensitive to air pollutants. Like
most trees, it grows best in moist, well-drained soils,
with adequate irrigation where necessar y. It prefers
full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade.
Fall Fiesta has a deep, wide-spreading root sys-
tem and performs best in larger planting spaces.
Sugar maple is prone to root girdling, so precau-
tions should be taken during planting to inspect
stock and eliminate any circling or girdling roots.
In favorable conditions, this tree will reach a height
of 60 to 70 feet (18 to 21 m) with an expected lifes-
pan of 100 years or more. Fall Fiesta is a reliable,
low-maintenance shade tree that will brighten the
landscape each fall with its celebration of color.
—Jennifer Jolliff, ISA Certified Arborist, Municipal
Specialist, City of Bozeman, Montana Forestry Division
Jennifer Jolliff is an ISA
Certified Arborist who has
served as a program arborist
for the City of Bozeman,
Montana since 1999.
Above: Fall Fiesta sugar maples at
Bold Spring Nursery
Below: Fall foliage of Fall Fiesta. Photo Courtesy
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
