Maple, Red

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

A deciduous shade tree with flowers that appear before the leaves. These seedlings provide natural variation rather than the uniform fall color and shape of a named cultivar.

Key Characteristics

An early canopy food source

Bees visit the early flowers, while squirrels use buds and seeds. Maple foliage also supports imperial moth caterpillars.

Choose the site before the color

Red maple tolerates a broad moisture range but still needs establishment water. Seedling autumn color can range from yellow to orange and red.

Keep it out of horse forage

Wilted or dried red maple leaves can poison horses. Site the tree so fallen leaves and prunings cannot enter their grazing or hay.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern and central North America
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry; Medium; Medium-Wet; Wet
• Mature height: 40–70 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: February–March–April
• Bloom color: Red
• USDA hardiness zones: 2–9
• Fruit or seed: Paired winged seeds, often reddish before ripening; wildlife food.
• Pollination: Flower sex varies among trees; wind and insects move pollen. Several seedlings add diversity.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Water the container root ball before planting and check for circling roots. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base fertilizer decisions on a soil test.

Protect shallow roots from compaction. Inspect dieback, cankers, and borers rather than spraying healthy trees routinely. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. Growth, flowering, and seasonal timing vary with the individual tree and site.