Red Maple — Acer rubrum

Overview: Versatile, fast-establishing native shade tree with a broad, rounded crown. Early red flowers in late winter/early spring, red samaras, and red to orange fall color (intensity varies by site/seed source).

Size & habit: 45–70′ tall × 35–50′ wide at maturity; straight trunk, ascending to spreading branches; dense canopy.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast (≈12–24″+ per year on good sites).

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.

Light: Full sun to light shade (best color and form in full sun).

Soil & water: Adaptable—thrives in moist, well-drained loams; among the most flood-tolerant maples yet also handles average garden soils. Prefers slightly acidic conditions; high pH/alkaline soils can cause chlorosis. Avoid chronically compacted or drought-baked sites for best performance.

Leaves, flowers, fruit & bark:

• Leaves: 3–5 lobes, medium green; red–orange fall color (variable).

• Flowers: Small red clusters appear before leaf-out; provide early-season interest/pollinator value.

• Fruit: Paired red samaras maturing late spring.

• Bark: Smooth gray on young trees, becoming ridged with age.

Tolerance / concerns:

• Tolerant: Periodic wet soils, urban conditions if soil volume and drainage are adequate.

• Concerns: Surface roots can lift pavements; plan generous rooting space. Susceptible to girdling roots (especially from container stock)—plant at correct depth with the root flare visible. Possible leaf scorch in drought, anthracnose in wet springs; borers target stressed trees. Moderate sensitivity to road salt and high-pH soils.

Pruning: Train early for strong, well-spaced scaffold branches. Best timing mid-summer (reduced sap “bleed”) or mid-winter dormancy; avoid heavy spring cuts.

Transplanting: Moves well from container or small B&B when young. Provide deep watering the first 2–3 seasons.

Landscape uses: Large shade tree for lawns and parks, street tree where soil volume is ample, rain-garden edges and swales (tolerates periodic flooding), and habitat plantings (nectar, seeds, cover).

Spacing / clearance: Plant 30–40 ft from buildings; allow 8–10 ft minimum from pavements; avoid overhead conflicts with utilities.