Summary
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a deciduous, fast-growing shade tree known for its attractive fall color and early spring blooms. Red maple grows 40-80′ tall, with an upright oval shape that becomes open and spreading with age. This species thrives in full to partial sun in medium to wet soils, but will tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions.
Distinctive red buds and flowers emerge before any leaves, heralding the arrival of spring. Male flowers are held close to the branch while female flowers dangle on stems up to 2″ long. Red maples are usually dioicous, with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants, but some trees produce both.
Female maple flowers are followed by winged seed structures called samaras. Red maple and silver maple (Acer saccharinum) drop their seeds in spring, while sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and boxelder (Acer negundo) retain them late into the season.
Fall color varies from brilliant red to clear yellow. It can be a challenge to grow plants atop the dense root system of red maple. Species with seeds that can be directly sown on top of the soil, and those that can be shallowly planted between surface roots, are the most suitable options. Such companions include white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata), three-leaf stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), golden ragwort (Packera aurea), common blue violet (Viola sororia), wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), and Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica). Zones 3-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-wet - Flowering Period
early-spring - Soil PH
acidic, adaptable - Flower Color
red - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
red, yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
brown, red
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers, Missouri Botanical Garden