Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Best fall color and growth in full sun
• Tolerates some shade, especially in moist environments

Bloom Time:

• Late winter to early spring
• Small, red flowers appear before leaves emerge
• One of the earliest flowering native trees

Size:

Height: 40 to 70 feet
Width: 30 to 50 feet

Attributes:

• Striking red fall foliage
• Red flowers, twigs, and seeds add seasonal interest
• Fast-growing and tolerant of a wide range of conditions
• Provides habitat and food for birds and pollinators
• Native to much of the eastern U.S. and Canada

Care Tips:

• Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
• Tolerates wet soils and occasional flooding
• Water regularly during establishment
• Prune in late winter to early spring to shape and remove weak branches
• Avoid planting near sidewalks or driveways due to shallow roots

Pest Watch:

• Generally hardy, but may be affected by leafhoppers, aphids, or verticillium wilt
• Monitor for signs of girdling roots, especially in compacted soils