Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Ornamental / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species or common cultivar such as 'Autumn Blaze'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
About This Tree
Medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, rounded to oval crown and dense branching. Known for its brilliant red autumn foliage, fast to moderate growth rate, and adaptability to various soil conditions.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves with 3 to 5 distinct palmate lobes and coarsely serrated margins. Medium green in summer, turning brilliant red, orange, or yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and light gray on young trees, becoming darker, rougher, and developing shallow ridges with narrow, scaly plates on mature trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada down to Florida and Texas.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, producing small red flowers before leaves fully emerge; develops winged seeds (samaras) in late spring; vibrant fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow; enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers consistently moist, acidic soils but exhibits good adaptability to various moisture levels once established, though less drought-tolerant than some other maples.
Mature Size
Typically reaches a mature height of 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet. Moderate to fast growth rate with a lifespan of 80 to 100+ years.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its spectacular brilliant red fall foliage, reliable landscape performance, adaptability to wet soils, and high ornamental value.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical food and nesting habitat for songbirds, small mammals, and various insects. Flowers supply early-season nectar for pollinators, and the seeds are consumed by squirrels and birds.