Species

Acer rubrumRed Maple

12 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Northwood Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Northwood'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer rubrum, the red maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern North America. It is adaptable to a wide range of conditions and celebrated for its brilliant fall foliage.

'Northwood' is a selection from the University of Minnesota known for its exceptional cold hardiness and orderly, rounded to oval crown. It develops a reliable orange-red to red fall color, even in northern climates.

Uses & Benefits:

A classic, handsome shade tree offering subtle red flowers in spring, a dense green summer canopy, and spectacular orange-red fall color. Its smooth gray bark is attractive in winter.

A fast-growing tree that provides excellent shade, helping to cool homes and reduce energy costs. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for a wide range of landscape situations, including wet soils.

As a native tree, it provides immense value. It's an important early-season pollen and nectar source for bees. Seeds (samaras) are eaten by birds and small mammals, and it provides nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesAcer rubrumRed Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

80-100+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Wilted leaves are highly toxic to horses

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to part shade with moist, acidic soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, watering to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and regularly for the first two years.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to the drip line.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves) due to manganese deficiency.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during dry periods.
Test soil pH and amend if highly alkaline.
Prune to develop a strong structure when the tree is young.
Choose a cultivar suited to your climate zone.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, compacted, or high pH soils.
Don't pile mulch against the trunk ('volcano mulching').
Don't prune in early spring when sap flow is heavy.
Don't plant where horses can access wilted leaves.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hardy shade tree for northern climatesReliable street or park treeSpecimen for brilliant fall color

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Cornus sericea Hamamelis virginiana Fothergilla gardenii Viburnum trilobum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Northwood Red Maple questions

What zones can Northwood Red Maple grow in?

Northwood Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Northwood Red Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Northwood Red Maple bloom?

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

Does Northwood Red Maple need full sun?

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