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Acer rubrum
red maple
Eastern North America, Newfoundland to Manitoba south to Florida and TexasLearn more
Overview
Acer rubrum is a large deciduous tree reaching 40–70 feet (12–21 m) tall and 30–50 feet (9–15 m) wide, with an oval to rounded crown. Leaves are palmate with 3–5 shallow, pointed lobes and finely serrated margins, 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) across, medium green above and distinctly silvery-white beneath. In fall, foliage turns yellow, orange, or red — color varies considerably by individual; seed-grown trees are less predictable than named cultivars selected for reliable fall color. Small red flowers appear in dense clusters in late February through March before leaf emergence, one of the earliest flowering native trees. Male and female flowers are sometimes on separate branches or trees. Paired samaras 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long ripen April through June — earlier than most other maples. Growth rate is moderate to fast, 1.5–2.5 feet (45–75 cm) per year. Unlike most large maples, A. rubrum tolerates periodically wet and poorly drained soils in addition to average garden soils. Surface roots become prominent in thin or compacted soils. Branches are somewhat brittle and susceptible to breakage in ice storms.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland and Manitoba south to Florida and Texas. The most widely distributed maple in North America. Found in a range of habitats including bottomlands, swamp edges, upland forests, and rocky ridges from sea level to approximately 6,000 feet (1,800 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade tree in residential and commercial landscapes, parks, and street plantings. One of the few large trees that tolerates periodically wet soils, making it suitable for rain gardens, bioswales, and low spots in the landscape where drainage is poor for part of the year. Named cultivars with confirmed fall color should be specified for ornamental plantings where red fall foliage is desired. Allow 30–50 feet (9–15 m) horizontal clearance from structures.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Blooms late February through March in zones 4–8, with small red flowers in dense clusters appearing before leaf emergence — 4–6 weeks ahead of most other landscape trees. Individual flowers are 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm); clusters last 2–3 weeks. Paired samaras ripen April through June, several months before other maple species disperse seed in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
medium green above, silvery-white beneath; yellow, orange, or red in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly during the first 1–2 growing seasons; established trees tolerate a range of soil moisture conditions from periodically wet soils to moderately dry upland sites. Apply 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of mulch from the drip line inward, keeping 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) clear of the trunk, to moderate soil moisture and temperature. Fall foliage color of seed-grown trees is unpredictable — select named cultivars if consistent red fall color is required. Avoid planting under power lines; the tree reaches 40–70 feet (12–21 m) at maturity. Branches are more brittle than sugar maple; prune to develop well-spaced scaffold branches in young trees to reduce ice storm damage. Leaf scorch occurs in alkaline soils above pH 7.0, producing yellowing and marginal browning mid-season.Pruning
Prune during dormancy (November through January) or in summer (July–August) to reduce sap loss. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Young tree structural pruning in years 3–10 to develop a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches reduces vulnerability to branch failure in ice and wind. Avoid removing more than 20% of the canopy in a single season.Pruning Schedule
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