Carolina Maple

Acer rubrum (AY-ser ROO-brum)

Family: Sapindaceae Native Canopy (>40 ft)

Red maple is a native, deciduous tree in the maple family (Sapindaceae). In nature, it can be found growing in upland deciduous forests, up to an elevation of at least 5000 feet, throughout eastern North America. The specific epithet, rubrum, means “red” in Latin and references the flowers and fall foliage of this tree. Red maple is easy to grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay, but prefers moist, slightly acidic conditions. It is very cold-hardy and grows fairly fast, with tolerance to urban conditions. Red maple may grow to 120 feet tall with a trunk 6 feet in diameter but is more commonly 40 to 70 feet high and 1½ to 2½ feet across. It is a handsome shade tree with a rounded crown and ascending branches to a 30- to 50-foot spread. The red maple has a slightly smaller leaf than most other maple species, and its leaf margins are serrated. Small, red flowers in clusters mature in late winter, followed by light brown or red-winged samaras. Early in the fall, the leaves turn an attractive red. Color may vary from tree to tree and cultivar to cultivar. This tree is a great choice for a native maple. It makes an excellent lawn, park or street tree, but it makes a dense mat of surface roots that outcompete other plants growing in its shade. It is difficult to grow herbaceous plants among this dense root mat. It fits almost any garden theme. Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: In alkaline soils, it can develop manganese chlorosis. Watch for aphids, leafhoppers, borers, scale, and caterpillars. Also note that verticillium wilt attacks the vascular system and can be fatal. Canker, fungal leaf spot, and root rots may also occur. Wind and ice may break some branches. This tree has a shallow root system that may buckle nearby sidewalks or driveways if planted too close. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Acer .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 73 attributes.