Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree and Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type, though cultivars like 'October Glory' or 'Autumn Blaze' are common in cultivation
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating wide adaptability to diverse northern and southern climate conditions
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, rounded to oval crown. It features a moderately fast growth rate, attractive green foliage turning vibrant red in autumn, and smooth gray bark on younger branches becoming darker and ridged with age.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves typically 2 to 4 inches long with 3 to 5 triangular lobes, sharply toothed margins, medium green upper surface, paler grayish-green undersides, and distinct reddish stems (petioles)
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and light gray on young trees, developing dark gray, rough ridges, shallow fissures, and scaly plates on mature trunks
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down to Florida and Texas
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring following inconspicuous red flowers, produces samaras in late spring, maintains green foliage through summer with potential fungal leaf spots visible, turns brilliant red or yellow in autumn before dropping leaves for winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, slightly acidic soils but is broadly adaptable to various moisture levels and tolerates occasional flooding
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet, growing at a moderate to fast rate with a typical lifespan of 80 to 100 years
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its spectacular brilliant red fall foliage, excellent tolerance of wet soil conditions, and widespread adaptability to urban pollution
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous wildlife species including birds that nest in its canopy, mammals that consume its seeds and buds, and pollinators attracted to early spring flowers