red maple

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

40-120 ft. tall
30-50 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Acer rubrum is propagated mainly by seed. Cold moist stratify for 60-75 days or cold water soak for 2-5 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Planting in soils that are too alkaline can lead to manganese chlorosis.

Plants/Diseases

Canker and fungal leaf spot may be unsightly, but not fatal.

Verticillium wilt can kill the trees.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Simple and opposite with three lobes and serrate margins.

Flowers

Flowers are red to burgundy with prominent yellow anthers.

Fruit

Samara; paired winged v-shaped fruit

Bark

New stems and buds are red. Bark matures to gray and exfoliates horizontally and vertically, sometimes creating bullseye-like patterns.

Toxicity

No known toxicity

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Upland deciduous forests, moist bottomlands

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina

Subspecies

Acer rubrum var. drummondii

Acer rubrum var. rubrum

Acer rubrum var. trilobum