Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) male flowers in March.
Photo by Elaine L. Mills
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) female flowers in April.
Photo © Mary Free
Paired samaras (pinkish/brown variety) of Acer rubrum (red maple) break apart so the achene contained within each can be dispersed singly by the wind.
Photo © Mary Free
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) paired red samaras in April showing opposite leaf arrangement and young leaves tinged red.
Photo © Mary Free
Samaras of Acer rubrum (red maple) usually occur in pairs but here are unusual groups of three. Also pictured are dried, dehisced samaras and a samara’s achene (note the single point of attachment).
Photo © Mary Free
Palmate leaves of Acer rubrum (Red Maple) in May. Note whitish underside.
Photo © Mary Free
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) younger bark.
Photo © Mary Free
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) mature bark in September.
Photo by Elaine L. Mills
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington, Virginia in November.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

The Red Maple, which is common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, tolerates the widest variety of soil conditions of any North American forest species. Its leaves turn brilliant scarlet, orange, and yellow in the fall, making it a popular ornamental tree.

Print Version (Legal Size): Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Tree Height: 40–80 feet Spread: 30–50 feet Bloom Color: Red Characteristics Medium-sized deciduous tree with rounded crown; 3- to 5-lobed, opposite leaves with serrated margins; medium green above, whitish below; Red pistillate & staminate flowers March & April; Paired, winged fruit (samaras) from April to June; Red, orange, and yellow fall foliage color; Smooth bark when young, turning to plate-like; scales between vertical ridges when older Attributes Tolerates wide range of soil, wet soil, and air pollution; No serious pests or diseases, although verticillium wilt can be fatal; deer seldom to occasionally severely damage, esp. when other food is scarce in winter; Fast-growing and very cold hardy, although wind and ice may break some branches; Attractive to wildlife for food and nesting cavities; larval host to a variety of moths Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average to rich, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist, Wet Avoid planting near sidewalks or driveways as shallow root systems may cause buckling Use as a specimen tree for the lawn Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 Excellent Replacement for Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple; Acer platanoides - Norway Maple; Acer pseodoplatanus - Sycamore Maple; Broussonetia papyyrifera - Paper Mulberry; Morus Alba - White Mulberry

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets