Tree of the Week

Red Maple: The Versatile Vermillion

By Bonnie Ricketts | September 13, 2016

Acer rubrum

Looking to add a little color to your landscape? The fiery hue of the Red Maple is a beautiful variety that can successfully grow in numerous climates. While the Red Maple’s origin stems from the eastern half of the U.S., it’s now considered one of the most widespread deciduous trees in the United States.

The Red Maple’s adaptable root system allows it to thrive in various types of soil, ranging from moist to slightly dryer soils (red Maples are slightly drought tolerant). Its ability to adjust to its environment has helped it to become one of the most popular trees in North America.


Environmental Conditions

•Does well in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained and clay soils (hardiness zones 3-9).

 •This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13″ to more than 24″ per year.

•Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree,  it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.


Physical Attributes

•Provides an amazing transition from yellow to red throughout the seasons.

•Produces red (sometimes yellow) clusters of small flowers winter to spring.

•Features simple, medium to dark green leaves 2–6″ in length with 3 or 5 lobes and sinuses that are irregularly toothed.

•Can grow in an oval, rounded, upright or erect shape.

• Can be toxic to horses if dry, wilted leaves are consumed. Tree is deer resistant, rarely damaged by deer.

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