Red maple

Red maple (*Acer rubrum*) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America and one of the region’s most widespread and abundant native trees.

Red maple (*Acer rubrum*) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America and one of the region’s most widespread and abundant native trees. It is known for its red flowers, red fruit, red twigs, and bright red autumn foliage, and it is widely used as an ornamental and shade tree.

Description

Red maple is a medium to large deciduous tree with a rounded to oval crown, simple lobed leaves, and winged paired seeds. It typically reaches 18–27 m (60–90 ft) in height, with larger specimens exceeding 36 m (120 ft). Its bark becomes darker and rougher with age. The tree is named for its red flowers, red fruits, red twigs, and red autumn leaves, which often turn vivid red, orange, or yellow in autumn.

Distribution and habitat

Red maple is native to eastern and central North America, with one of the broadest north-south ranges of any eastern North American tree. It grows from Canada south to Florida and west to parts of Texas and the central United States. In Canada, it is native to parts of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It occurs in a wide range of habitats, including wet lowlands, stream borders, and, in some northern areas, drier or more varied sites.

Uses

Red maple is commonly planted as a shade and ornamental tree because of its fall colour and tolerance of compact or wet soils. Its wood is used for items such as furniture, flooring, veneer, and inexpensive woodenware. The sap can be used to make syrup, though the tapping season is usually short and production is less extensive than from sugar maple.

Ecology

Red maple flowers early in spring and produces winged seeds that are dispersed by air. It is a fast-growing species and can sprout from stumps after disturbance, which helps it persist in a range of environments. It is one of the most common native trees in eastern North America.