Acer rubrum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Tree
• Sunlight: Sun
• Soils: Moist to average to dry
• Bloom Time: April
• Size: Tall
Considered a keystone species because of its value to a diverse number of insect and animal species. Red maple is known for its beautiful fall color. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, variable pH and even pollution, and therefore should be considered for use as a street tree, parks, and in rain gardens.
Garden Companions
Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa); American Hazelnut (Corylus americana); Anise-scented Goldenrod (Solidago odoro); New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae); Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
Nature Benefits
• Host for over 275 species of moth and butterfly caterpillars.
• Spring flowers offer nectar and pollen for a variety of insects.
• Seeds provide food for both birds and mammals.
Native Habitat
Occurs in lowlands and wetlands but can also be found in hardwood forests.