Red Maple

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acer rubrum

FAMILY: Aceraceae

This tree in Colorado Best in neutral or acidic soils; likely to develop iron and manganese chlorosis over time in alkaline soils. Hybrids with silver maple such as ‘Autumn Blaze’ have performed well along the Front Range.

Hardiness: Depends on cultivar; some hardy to zone 3; 7500’ or lower.

Growth rate: Medium growth rate; size varies with cultivar; most should reach about 35 feet tall.

Growth habit: Various, depending on cultivar.

Foliage: Opposite, simple, 2-4” long and wide, 3-5 lobes. Upper surface green, lower surface gray-green. Fall color varies, yellow to orange-red to red. Best fall color in acidic to neutral soil pH.

Flowers: Small, reddish-purple, prior to leafing.

Fruit: Twin samara, often reddish.

Insects and diseases: Chlorosis due to less available iron and manganese in alkaline soils.

Landscape value: Medium-high for shade and fall color; lowered value for trees that become chlorotic.

Best advice: May look good for several years before developing chlorosis. Test soil pH before planting; ideally 7.4 or lower. Likely more successful in older, longer-cultivated soils than in new housing areas. Best in large rooting areas such as tree lawns; not drought-tolerant; avoid planting in heat-loaded sites.

Information sources: Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990)

Photo by Chesapeke Bay Program