Acer rubrum

Scientific Name: Acer rubrum

Common Name: red maple

Native Range: Eastern and central North America

Zone: 3 to 9

Plant type & Form: Deciduous tree with a rounded to oval crown

Height: 40.00 to 70.00 feet

Spread: 30.00 to 50.00 feet

Bloom Time: March to April

Bloom Description: Red, sometimes yellow

Flower: Red flowers in dense clusters appear before the leaves, primarily male or female or monoecious

Fruit: Two-winged samaras

Leaf: medium to dark green (above) and gray green (below) with 3 triangular lobes, toothed margins, and pointed tips (2-5″ long); great orange-red fall color

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium to wet

Soil type & pH: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soils, but can tolerate a variety of soil conditions

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Shade tree, Street tree, Rain garden

Tolerates: Wet soil, Black walnut, Air pollution

Notes: This tree is very cold hardy. The shallow, flattened root system can buckle sidewalks or driveways if planted too close.

Identification notes: New growth, twigs, fruit, and flowers all have a red tinge. Look for maple leaves that are rounded at the bottom. The bark is a smooth gray color with irregular cracks.