treeN. America Native

Red Maple

Name: Red Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer rubrum

$65.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

80-100+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Leaves are toxic to horses when wilted

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer rubrum is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its adaptability to a wide range of soil and site conditions. It is one of the first trees to flower in spring and provides some of the most brilliant fall foliage color. As a species, Red Maple is notable for its variability; fall color can range from yellow to orange to brilliant scarlet. Its smooth gray bark on young trees and reddish twigs provide significant winter interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Red Maple is a cornerstone of the North American landscape, celebrated for its four-season appeal. It offers a haze of red flowers in early spring, dense green shade in summer, a spectacular and variable display of fall color, and an attractive silhouette with smooth gray bark in winter. It is a classic choice for a shade or specimen tree.

As a fast-growing tree, it provides shade relatively quickly. It is also a source of maple syrup, though its sap has a lower sugar content than Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). The wood is used for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. Its tolerance of wet soils makes it useful for stabilizing banks and in rain gardens.

Acer rubrum is a keystone species in many eastern forests. Its early flowers are a critical food source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. The seeds (samaras) are eaten by squirrels and birds. It serves as a host plant for the larvae of numerous moth species, including the Rosy Maple Moth.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to part shade with acidic, moist soil.
Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Gently tease out any circling roots on the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to remove air pockets.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

For consistently brilliant red fall color, choose a named cultivar like 'October Glory' or 'Red Sunset' instead of a seedling.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly for the first two years to establish roots.
Maintain a large, mulch-covered, turf-free area around the base.
Prune to develop a strong structure when the tree is young.
Choose a planting site with enough space for its mature size.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soils, which causes nutrient deficiencies.
Avoid wounding the thin bark with mowers or string trimmers.
Don't fertilize a stressed or newly planted tree.
Avoid planting near sidewalks or driveways where surface roots can cause damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic shade tree for large lawnsBrilliant specimen for fall colorExcellent for naturalizing in moist, woodland areas

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Viburnum dentatum Cornus sericea Carex pensylvanica Lindera benzoin

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Maple questions

What zones can Red Maple grow in?

Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Red Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Maple bloom?

Red Maple typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Maple need full sun?

Red Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.