A widespread native maple with brilliant red fall color.

Also called: Red Maple, Swamp Maple

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 12–28 m
Lifespan80–150 years
OrderSapindales
FamilySapindaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Acer rubrum, the red maple, also known as swamp maple, water maple, or soft maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America. The U.S. Forest Service recognizes it as the most abundant native tree in eastern North America. The red maple ranges from southeastern Manitoba around the Lake of the Woods on the border with Ontario and Minnesota, east to Newfoundland, south to Florida, and southwest to East Texas. Many of its features, especially its leaves, are quite variable in form. At maturity, it often attains a height around 30 m (100 ft). Its flowers, petioles, twigs, and seeds are all red to varying degrees. Among these features, however, it is best known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in autumn.

Source: Wikipedia — Acer rubrum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium tree with 3–5 lobed leaves; red flowers in spring; brilliant red autumn color.

Similar species. Other maples (different leaf shapes).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Most-widespread maple in North America. Has expanded in eastern forests as fire has been suppressed.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Diverse habitats

§ Threats

Habitat changes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the red maple is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain diverse forests.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual