Red Maple.

De un vistazo

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

18 to 27 meters

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Early spring

Cuidados

Plant in a location with plenty of space for its wide root system. Keep the soil consistently moist, as this tree prefers damp conditions. Watch for leaf scorch during extreme summer heat or drought.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Feeding

Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning

Prune during the dormant winter season to avoid sap bleeding.

Repotting

Repot only if grown in a container, otherwise not applicable.

Soil

Moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soil

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Temperature

-35 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 80 to 100 years.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

The leaves are toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities.

Children

The winged seeds, known as samaras, can be a choking hazard if ingested by small children.

Contact allergens

The bark and twigs are generally safe, but some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from contact with the sap.

Airborne allergens

The windborne pollen can be a significant allergen for sensitive individuals during early spring.

Edibility

While the inner bark has been used historically by indigenous peoples, it is not considered a standard food source and should be avoided.

Cómo identificarla

• Three to five lobed leaves
• Vibrant red autumn foliage
• Smooth gray bark on young trees
• Small red flowers in early spring
• Paired winged seeds called samaras

Height

12 to 27m

Spread

9 to 15m

Leaves

green, red, orange, yellow, deciduous

Flowers

red, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

red, brown, late spring

Problemas frecuentes

• Leaf spot — Fungal infections cause dark spots on leaves during wet seasons.
• Scale insects — Small insects attach to twigs and suck sap, weakening the tree.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range.

In containers

It is not suitable for long term container growth due to its large size.

Plant species that enjoy acidic, moist soil to create a cohesive woodland garden.

Buenas compañeras

• Serviceberry — They share similar moisture requirements and provide layered interest.
• Highbush Blueberry — Both species thrive in acidic, moist soil conditions.

Mantenla lejos de

• Black Walnut — The juglone produced by walnut roots can inhibit the growth of many maples.

Especies parecidas

• Sugar Maple — It is another common maple but prefers well drained soil.
• Silver Maple — It has similar leaf shapes but features silvery undersides.

Ciencia

Family

Sapindaceae

Genus

Acer

Order

Sapindales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern and central North America.

Conservation

This species is widespread and secure across its native range.

This tree is highly adaptable, allowing it to colonize both swampy lowlands and drier upland sites.

Value to wildlife

early nectar source, nesting habitat

Pollinators

bees

Uses

ornamental shade tree, fall color display, wildlife habitat

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How big does it get?

It typically reaches 40 to 70 feet in height.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers moist soil but adapts to various conditions.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name rubrum is Latin for red, referring to its flowers, twigs, and fall foliage. It is commonly called red maple for these same features.

Bueno saberlo

• It is often called swamp maple because it thrives in wet soils.
• The leaves turn a brilliant red in autumn.
• It is a very fast growing tree compared to other maples.