Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental, Street Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species or typical cultivated variety, known for vibrant fall foliage
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, demonstrating high adaptability to diverse continental climates and temperature ranges
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, rounded to oval crown. It features a dense canopy, moderate to fast growth rate, and striking seasonal color changes, making it one of the most popular landscape and shade trees
Leaf Characteristics
Simple leaves with 3 to 5 distinct palmate lobes and coarsely serrated margins. Medium to dark green in summer, turning brilliant red, orange, or yellow in autumn, arranged oppositely along the stems
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and light gray on young trees, becoming darker, rougher, and developing vertical ridges, plates, or shallow furrows as the tree matures
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 with small red flowers, produces winged samaras in late spring, maintains green foliage through summer, turns brilliant red or yellow in autumn, and drops leaves for winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers consistently moist, slightly acidic soils but adapts well to varying moisture levels and shows moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet, moderate to fast growth rate, and a typical lifespan of 80 to 100 years
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its brilliant fall color, adaptability to urban pollution, and tolerance of both wet and dry soil conditions
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous pollinators with its early spring flowers, provides nesting sites and cover for birds, and its seeds are eaten by squirrels and various bird species