Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

A foundational native shade tree for restoration, stormwater, and municipal specification work, red maple's tolerance for both wet and upland sites makes it one of the most versatile, low-risk selections for large-scale native plantings across the Mid-Atlantic and eastern U.S.

Species Overview

Acer rubrum is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America, typically reaching heights of 40 to 70 feet with a broadly rounded to oval crown. It is recognizable by three- to five-lobed leaves, reddish twigs, and clusters of small red flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge, with paired winged seeds (samaras) maturing in late spring. Fall foliage ranges from vibrant red to yellow and orange, and the species is one of the most adaptable native trees, thriving from wetlands to uplands.

Application

• Wetland mitigation and riparian buffer restoration
• Stormwater basin and rain garden plantings (wet-to-dry tolerance)
• Street tree and urban plantings - tolerant of pollution and compacted soils
• Municipal and roadside shade tree specification
• Wildlife and pollinator habitat plantings
• General restoration/reforestation mixes requiring a fast-establishing canopy tree

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Adaptable from wetland to upland sites; performs well in moist to wet soils
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: High - Tolerates extended periods of flooding and is among the most flood-tolerant of the maples, consistent with its wide native range spanning both wet and upland sites.
• Salinity Tolerance: None
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Root Depth: ~30 in.
• Mature Height: 40-70 ft.
• Fall Color: Red, Yellow, Orange
• Bloom Color / Period: Red; February-March, before leaf-out
• Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative) - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region
• Native Range: Newfoundland to Florida, west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas - the widest north-south range of any eastern tree species.
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Growth Habit: Rounded - broadly rounded to oval crown
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees (species-confirmed - Xerces Society "Special Value to Native Bees" and "Special Value to Honey Bees"); larval host - Cecropia Moth specifically favors red maple, with several other moth species also using it
• Deer Resistance: Some (Occasionally Severely Damaged) - per Rutgers Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant