Acer rubrum

Red Maple

Family: Sapindaceae

Native region: New England and eastern US

Plant Community: Old Field

Size: Cultivated 40’-60’, upper range in 100’-120’, 30-50’ wide

Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Habitat: Forest edges, forests, meadows and fields, shores of rivers or lakes, swamps, wetland margins (edges of wetlands), woodlands. Though usually found in moist woodlands and wet swamps, also found in drier woods. Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, slightly acid (pH <6.8) conditions. Very cold hardy.

Leaf: Red leaf petioles in summer and red samaras in female trees in early spring; most commonly bright red, sometimes yellow or greenish-yellow in fall.

Flowers: Reddish buds with pink/red flowers for male. Females have samaras. Blooms in March and April.

Ecosystem services: This species is not drought tolerant, but is heat tolerant, cold tolerant, and tolerant of air pollution. It works well to recolonize disturbed areas, areas with high water content like floodplains and areas for stormwater management. Because it is a generalist and can tolerate pollution and acidic soil, this is a good choice for urban environments as well. An added perk is that is grows quickly.