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Acer rubrum

Also Known As

Red Maple
Soft Maple
Swamp Maple

Plant type

tree

size

H: 40'-60'
W: 25'-40'

planting zones

3a-9b

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Acer rubrum plant details

Acer rubrum is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. Attracts beneficial insects and birds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acer rubrum

Plant type: tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 25 FT - 40 FT - wide, 40 FT - 60 FT - tall
Uses: easy-to-grow, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acer rubrum

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, clay, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Red Maple is probably the most commonly planted street tree over most of the United States because of its perfectly even growth and tidy habit, great fall color, and drought tolerance. This species is also very resistant to pests and diseases that plague other street or lawn trees like birch, especially when the lower branches are pruned as the few pests infect mostly branches close to the ground.

Overall Acer rubrum requires very little care and thrives in a wide range of climates. It is native to the eastern U.S. and Canada and is considered to be closely related to the much larger Silver Maple which has a similar native range.

Water your trees for the first few years to get them established and then you can taper off. Exceptionally cold hardy but does just as well in hot, dry climates like the southwestern states.

5 gallon plants are pruned to height before shipping - pruning when young encourages a strong and straight trunk.