The result of intentional selection for outstanding vigor and superior fall foliage colors, with a high percentage of individuals with orange to red color. The strain originated at Johnson's Nursery from seedlings obtained from various sources, including the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Milwaukee County Parks, along with wild populations from southern Wisconsin. The various sources were allowed to intermate and seeds were harvested only from parent trees with orange to red fall color. Probable hardiness to USDA Zone 3b.