Red Maple.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Safety

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.

How to identify it

• 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

Common problems

• 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.

Growing it

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.

Grows well with

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

Keep away from

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

Similar species

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

Science

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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.

Good to know

• 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.