The tree has an interesting history: a Kansas farmer observed that the line of red maples that he planted yielded one that stood out as it was somewhat shorter with smaller leaves and much brighter than the rest. He had it analyzed at U-KS and was told that it was a naturally occurring tree. He patented it with the name Magnificent Magenta and three years later the tree was given the trademark Burgundy Belle. After his patent expired, Heritage Trees from IL now holds the trademark.
The tree will reach a height of 40 ft. and has a life
expectancy of 80 years. Centennial Park was a good choice for locating the tree
as three large trees there are dead or dying.
Directions to view the tree: from the main street through town, Iowa St., go east onto E. Valley St. and turn right onto S. Ellwood. Park in the lot and walk up the tree-lined walkway. The Uplands tree is the second on the right side of the walkway. It is happily planted near another Burgundy Belle and a white swamp oak.
A plaque will be placed at the site: "In memory of
Upland Garden Club members, 1989-2021, your gardening lives on."
