Images of the Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Also known as Soft Maple, Scarlet Maple or Swamp Maple, this species is a widespread native to eastern North America. The red petioles, twigs, flowers, seeds, and fall foliage characterize this rapid-growing, moderately tall tree. Though beautiful, the leaves of this maple, especially when wilted, can be poisonous to animals.

Habitat:Shade-tolerant, adaptive to wide climatic conditions.

Growth Habit:Deciduous tree, growing rapidly up to 24.4 m tall, sprouting vigorously.

Bloom Time:Early spring, several weeks before leaves emerge.

Longevity:Lives up to 200 years.

Presence in US:AL AR CT DC DE FL GA IA IL IN KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS NC NH NJ NY OH OK PA RI SC TN TX VA VT WI WV

Presence in Canada:NL NS ON PE QC

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).