Red Maple

Acer rubrum
Sapindaceae
Acer rubrum fall color
Acer rubrum bark
Acer rubrum form
Acer rubrum flower
Common, wide-ranging tree with bright red fall foliage. Does not tolerate clay alkaline soil. Produces surface roots in compacted soil, making planting under tree difficult. Frequently browsed by deer.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Good
Wildlife Benefits
Early source of nectar; moth/butterfly host; bat roosting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
273
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Verticillium wilt
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
2
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Abundant
  • Oak Mixed: Abundant
  • Alluvial: Common
  • Red Maple Mixed: Abundant
  • Ruderal: Common
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Red
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

Similar Trees