Acer First Flame® ‘IslFirFl’: This is another remarkable hybrid maple from the Iseli breeding program that pairs well with conifer collections. Hardy through USDA zone 5 and rated into USDA zone 8, it is noted for its spectacular pageantry in the spring. It begins with the emergence of hot, bright tangerine-orange, small star-shaped leaves that become highlighted with linear leaf veins of a striking, lighter orange. Over time, the show gradually fades to more subdued shades of orange and red. By midsummer, the foliage fades to a light green. However, being a vigorous grower, it will flush over the summer with new red and orange leaves that will continue to create interest. For the fall, the tree completely returns to a blaze of red and orange. First Flame typically grows 12 to 15 inches per year and generally matures to a height of 20 feet, with a rounded canopy that spans 15 feet in width. This finely textured, elegant tree puts on the best color show in a sunny site.

Shipping Date Options: You will be asked to select your preferred shipping date. If ordering maples, please be sure to select February or March as these are the only months they can be shipped.

Fine Print: Purchases for the Collectors' Conifer of the Year program are limited to one of each selection per individual. Orders will be honored on a first-received basis. Since the inventory is limited to 50 plants for each offering, ordering early is advantageous to ensure your desired plant(s) is/are available. To efficiently provide notice of availability, ordering will be available online this year at https://www2.conifersociety.org/store/. Each offer comes with a one-year/one-time replacement guarantee should the plants fail to grow during the first year in their appropriate USDA zone. Accompanying each conifer will be an anodized aluminum stake and a Metal photo tag that identifies the plant as a winner of the American Conifer Society’s annual award of “Collectors’ Conifer of the Year” and displays a QR to the society’s website. Likewise, a tag and stake will accompany companion plants. Shipping is included in the listed costs. All orders must be received by January 1, 2026 (unless sold out sooner). We cannot ship outside the continental United States.