Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Red maple, is the most common native tree in the eastern United States and eastern Canada; its range extends from Manitoba east to Newfoundland and south to Florida. It has adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, from swampland to elevations of up to 3,000 feet above sea level. However, its preference is for moist, slightly acidic soils. A fast-growing, shallow-rooted tree, red maple does well in both sun and light shade. It is tolerant of air pollution but is highly sensitive to de-icing salts. Red maple is Rhode Island’s state tree.
Physical characteristics:
Form: Medium to large tree, 60 feet high at maturity, with an oval-shaped crown and opposite branching.
Leaves: 2 to 4” long; the 3 to 5 palmate lobes have serrated margins and shallow sinuses. Brilliant red autumn color. Common cultivars include ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘October Glory.’
Flowers: Bright red or yellow clusters. Tree usually flowers before the leaves appear. It is among the first trees to flower in spring.
Fruit: ½ inch to ¾ inch long reddish brown samaras – winged, wind-borne seeds.
Bark: Smooth and light gray on young trees. On older trees, bark is darker gray with long, thin scaly plates.
Check out Silver Maple>>
Physical characteristics:
Form: Medium to large tree, 60 feet high at maturity, with an oval-shaped crown and opposite branching.
Leaves: 2 to 4” long; the 3 to 5 palmate lobes have serrated margins and shallow sinuses. Brilliant red autumn color. Common cultivars include ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘October Glory.’
Flowers: Bright red or yellow clusters. Tree usually flowers before the leaves appear. It is among the first trees to flower in spring.
Fruit: ½ inch to ¾ inch long reddish brown samaras – winged, wind-borne seeds.
Bark: Smooth and light gray on young trees. On older trees, bark is darker gray with long, thin scaly plates.
Check out Silver Maple>>
