Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Red Maple "Autumn Blaze"
Native to the eastern U.S.
Mature Height: 40-70 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Foliage: Deciduous, opposite 3-5 lobed (2"-5"), leaves turn to brilliant red, orange or yellow in fall
Flower/Fruit: Clusters of tiny red flowers appear before the leaves in spring
Hardy to Zone 3
The first thing I learned about a red maple is that its leaves are not necessarily red in the autumn. I discovered this after buying my first red maple and saw bright yellow leaves that fall. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful tree anyway. Later, I learned that there are a diverse array of red maples and those that flourish in Alabama won't in New England and vice versa. Red maples grow naturally in forests and swamps across the U.S. They are pyramidal in growth while young and become rounder with age. In the fall, they provide us with spectacular colors. Tolerates most soil types. Good varieties are "October Glory", "Autumn Blaze", "Autumn Flame", and "Red Sunset".
The red maple is one of the most beautiful and fast growing trees. However, there is one major fault to be aware of - shallow roots! As the tree ages, you will begin to notice a dense web of roots along the surface of the ground. It is difficult to grow grass underneath these trees and other shrubs and plants will have to compete with the tree for moisture. I have planted several red maples in my garden and I grow lots of plants around them. So far, I've not had any problems but I'm not sure what the future will bring.
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Mature Height: 40-70 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Foliage: Deciduous, opposite 3-5 lobed (2"-5"), leaves turn to brilliant red, orange or yellow in fall
Flower/Fruit: Clusters of tiny red flowers appear before the leaves in spring
Hardy to Zone 3
The first thing I learned about a red maple is that its leaves are not necessarily red in the autumn. I discovered this after buying my first red maple and saw bright yellow leaves that fall. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful tree anyway. Later, I learned that there are a diverse array of red maples and those that flourish in Alabama won't in New England and vice versa. Red maples grow naturally in forests and swamps across the U.S. They are pyramidal in growth while young and become rounder with age. In the fall, they provide us with spectacular colors. Tolerates most soil types. Good varieties are "October Glory", "Autumn Blaze", "Autumn Flame", and "Red Sunset".
The red maple is one of the most beautiful and fast growing trees. However, there is one major fault to be aware of - shallow roots! As the tree ages, you will begin to notice a dense web of roots along the surface of the ground. It is difficult to grow grass underneath these trees and other shrubs and plants will have to compete with the tree for moisture. I have planted several red maples in my garden and I grow lots of plants around them. So far, I've not had any problems but I'm not sure what the future will bring.
Back to Trees & Shrubs