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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum

Red Maple, Water Maple, Scarlet Maple, Swamp Maple, Soft maple

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Description

Acer rubrum (red maple) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America, where it grows from Canada to Florida, making it one of the most widely distributed tree species. This maple grows rapidly and is often found in its natural environment along rivers, in swamps and in moist forests, but the species also occurs in dry locations. In cultivation, Acer rubrum usually reaches a height of fifteen to twenty metres and, depending on the location and soil conditions, a width of ten to fourteen metres. At a young age, the crown shape is pyramidal to oval, later developing into a more broadly oval to round shape, with fairly dense branching and a straight trunk.

The leaves of Acer rubrum have a bright green upper side and a blue-green underside, are palmate and consist of three to five lobes. In autumn, the foliage turns a striking bright red, orange or yellow, depending on soil type and climatic conditions. Around March or April, before the leaves appear, the tree blooms with small, reddish flower clusters that attract many insects. After flowering, winged fruits, samaras, appear, which often fall off again in May. The bark is grey and smooth when young, later becoming more grey-brown and slightly grooved. The twigs are reddish-brown and are particularly noticeable in winter.

The red maple is often used as an avenue, park or solitary tree. Acer rubrum grows best in moist, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate calcareous or compacted soil well, which can lead to stunted growth and chlorosis. The species is very hardy and prefers a location in full sun or partial shade. Due to its adaptability to moist conditions, Acer rubrum is also used in rainwater buffers and along wadis.

Types of planting

Tree types

standard trees multi-stemmed trees climate trees shade trees characteristic trees

Use

Location

avenue park central reservation large garden cemetery countryside

Pavement

none none open open

Planting concepts

climate planting eco planting landscape planting urban planting

Characteristics

Crown shape

rounded rounded pyramidal pyramidal

Crown structure

dense dense

Height

15 - 20 m

Width

10 - 14 m

Winter hardiness zone

4A - 9B

Aspects

Wind

intolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay peaty sand loamy soil

Nutrient level

moderately rich in nutrients rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

dry moist wet

Light requirements

sun

pH range

acidic neutral

Host plant/forage plant

bees butterflies birds small mammals nectar value 5 pollen value 5

Extreme environments

tolerant to dryness tolerates heat

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Order this plant? Or would you like further information about Acer rubrum? Make an appointment for a detailed planting recommendation.
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Photos

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high-stem standard tree
Acer rubrum standard tree
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Acer rubrum multi-stem
flowers flowers
Acer rubrum flowers
flowers flowers
Acer rubrum flowers
flowers flowers
Acer rubrum flowers
flowers flowers
Acer rubrum flowers
leaves leaves
Acer rubrum leaves
leaves leaves
Acer rubrum leaves
leaves leaves
Acer rubrum leaves
leaves leaves
Acer rubrum leaves
leaves leaves
Acer rubrum leaves
leaves leaves
Acer rubrum leaves
autumn-leaves autumn leaves
Acer rubrum autumn leaves
autumn-leaves autumn leaves
Acer rubrum autumn leaves
autumn-leaves autumn leaves
Acer rubrum autumn leaves
fruits fruits
Acer rubrum fruits
fruits fruits
Acer rubrum fruits
fruits fruits
Acer rubrum fruits
bark bark
Acer rubrum bark
bark bark
Acer rubrum bark
twigs twigs
Acer rubrum twigs
twigs twigs
Acer rubrum twigs
twigs twigs
Acer rubrum twigs
twigs twigs
Acer rubrum twigs
twigs twigs
Acer rubrum twigs

Flowers

Flowers

raceme striking pendulous

Flower colour

red

Flowering period

March - April

Leaves

Leaf colour

bright green underside blue-green

Leaves

deciduous palmate opposite polished serrate

Autumn colour

yellow orange scarlet

Fruits

Fruit colour

red

Fruits

striking winged

Bark

Bark colour

grey

Bark

furrowed

Twigs

Twig colour

red-brown

Twigs

bare with lenticels

Root system

Root system

deep fine roots central root

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Winter hardiness

A plant's winter hardiness is the coldest area in which it is frost-resistant. This is based on the average annual minimum temperature. Winter hardiness zones are thirteen different frost zones in steps of 5.5 degrees Celsius. This format is an international standard for the hardiness of plants. The zones in which the plant is frost-resistant are always included in the description of trees and other vegetation.

Winter hardiness is a genetic characteristic and is not influenced by the location in which the plant is cultivated. This means that a plant that has been cultivated for many years in winter-hardiness zone 6 but has a winter hardiness of 3 is perfectly suited for replanting in a colder zone. It will thrive there thanks to its genetic characteristics.

When choosing planting for a project, the winter hardiness of the plants is extremely important. By choosing species that match the zone in which the project is being created, it is possible to ensure that plants can withstand the minimum temperature in that area.

Winter hardiness map
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British Asssociation of Landscape Industries

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E info@ebben.nl

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