Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers moist soil but adapts well to various conditions once established.

Can I plant it near my house?

It is best to plant it at least 6 meters away from foundations due to its vigorous root system.

Plant guide

Red Maple.

Acer rubrum

Pronounced AY-ser ROO-brum

Also known as Maple, Red Maple, Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Soft Maple, scarlet maple, soft maple, swamp maple

The red maple is a versatile and beloved native tree known for its stunning fall colors. It adapts well to various soil conditions, making it a popular choice for landscapes. You will enjoy its rapid growth and the seasonal interest it brings to your yard.

Another photo of Red Maple — Photo by Sandy Wolkenberg (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 18 to 27 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Plant in a location with plenty of space for its wide root system. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to prevent leaf scorch. Watch for pests like aphids or scale that might settle on the foliage.

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: Repotting is generally only applicable for young container specimens.
Soil: Moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 80 to 100 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: The foliage is toxic to horses and other equines if ingested in large quantities.
Children: The winged seeds are fun to drop, but they are not meant for consumption and should be kept away from small children.
Contact allergens: The bark and sap are generally safe, but some individuals may experience mild skin irritation.
Airborne allergens: The pollen produced in early spring can be a significant allergen for those sensitive to tree pollen.
Edibility: The seeds and leaves are not considered edible for humans and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Three lobed leaves with serrated edges
Smooth gray bark on young trees
Vibrant red or orange autumn foliage
Small red flowers in early spring
V-shaped samara fruit clusters

Height: 12 to 27m
Spread: 9 to 15m
Leaves: green, red, orange, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: red, yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: red, brown, Late spring

Problems to watch for

Leaf SpotCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
AnthracnoseUncommon
AphidsUncommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Verticillium WiltUncommon
CankerRare

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter protection is needed as this tree is fully hardy in its range. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged before the ground freezes.
In containers: Not suitable for long term container growth due to its large ultimate size.

Seed

1. Collect seeds in late spring.
2. Sow immediately in moist soil.
3. Keep soil consistently damp until germination.

Plant in groups with other moisture loving native shrubs to create a naturalistic woodland edge.

Grows well with

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

Similar species

Sugar Maple — Often confused, but sugar maples have U shaped leaf sinuses compared to the V shaped ones of red maple.
Silver Maple — Similar in habitat preference but has deeply lobed leaves with 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.

It is a highly adaptable species that colonizes both wetland and upland forest sites.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, nesting site, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shade tree, street tree, wildlife habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: It prefers moist soil but adapts well to various conditions once established.
Can I plant it near my house?: It is best to plant it at least 6 meters away from foundations due to its vigorous root system.

Where the name comes from

The specific epithet rubrum means red, referring to its red flowers, twigs, and autumn foliage.

Good to know

It is often called swamp maple because it thrives in wet soils.
The leaves turn a brilliant red in autumn, making it a favorite for fall color.
It is the state tree of Rhode Island.
The wood is used for furniture and flooring.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.