Acer rubrum
Common Name(s):
Red maple
Swamp maple
Synonym:
Acer carolinianum
Scarlet maple
Flower:
Red
Blooms :
Mar
to:
Apr
Male flowers have visible stamens, fermale flowers have fuzzy pistils, both are red
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Sapindaceae
Tree, Broadleaf
Foliage:
Green
Leaves opposite, 2-5" with 3 lobes palmately veined
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves turn red
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Winter buds are red, structural features and branching are appealing to the eye
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Eastern and central U.S.A.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
YES
Height:
40-50'
Spread:
30-50'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Wet bottomlands, river flood plains, wet woods
Soil:
Moist, acidic soils,
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
If fertilizer needed, use a balanced, slow-release form only in early spring
Mulch:
Maintain a 2-4" layer, of shredded bark or wood chips from a few inches frim trunk to drip zone
Provide slow, deep irrigation during dry periods, use organic mulch, keep pruning minimal, if tree looks chlorotic use a slow-release nitrogen rich fertilizer in early spring, maintain a grass free zone around base, monitor for pests
Long Term:
Winter:
Use protective wrap on young trees, if dry, water every 4-6 weeks, mulch
Spring:
Provide consistent moist, well-drained, acidic soil, only fertilize if tree exhibits poor vigor, monitor for pests, maintain a 2-3" layer of mulch
Summer:
Prioritize regular deep hydration, maintain a 3" layer of mulch, monitor for pests, avoid trunk damage from trimmers and mowers
Fall:
Make sure root zone is hydrated, corrective pruning can be done, check trunk for any injuries
General Care Comments:
Water consistently to get established, plant in acidic, fertile soil, perform structural pruning in late winter, mulch
Common Problems
Roots are shallow so they may buckle sidewalks or driveways
Diseases:
Verticllium wilt, Nectria canker, tar spot, Phytohpthora root rot, antracnose, bacterial leaf scorch
Insects:
Asian longhorned beetle, scale, cankerworms, gypsy moth, spanworms, gall mites
Environmental Problems:
Over planting thus decreasing biodiversity
Pests:
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.