Evaluations of heat and drought tolerant species for the great plains includes a southern ecotype of Acer saccharum, native to Caddo County, Oklahoma. Seedlings from this disjunct population have exhibited superior growth, tatter resistant foliage, and greater drought stress than most sugar maple cultivars. Fall color, although usually later than the species and somewhat variable, can be quite outstanding. Leaf tatter and pre-dawn xylem potential were equal to `Legacy' and superior to other cultivars in the trade. Propagation of selected trees offers opportunity for cultivar selection. Ten years of growth and performance under stressful sites indicate excellent regional adaptation.