Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree and Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
'October Glory'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with an upright, oval to rounded crown at maturity, featuring smooth gray bark on younger trunks and finely textured branching patterns visible while transitioning.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves with 3 to 5 distinct lobes, serrated margins, medium green upper surface and paler underside, turning brilliant red to orange in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and light gray on young trees, gradually becoming darker and developing shallow fissures with scaly ridges on older trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, flowers very early spring before leaves, produces winged samaras in late spring, enters dormancy in late autumn after vibrant fall foliage display
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soils but has moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 35 to 50 feet, exhibiting a moderate to fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its exceptional, brilliant red fall foliage, adaptability to various soil types, and high tolerance for urban pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous pollinators with early spring flowers, provides nesting sites and cover for birds, and offers seeds consumed by small mammals and birds.