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red maple

Scientific Name: Acer rubrum

Family: Aceraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

The Red Maple, scientifically known as Acer rubrum, is a common and widespread deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. It's also known by several common names, including Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Soft Maple, Scarlet Maple, Carolina Red Maple, and Drummond Red Maple.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text states that the native red maple (Acer rubrum) is a potent killer of horses and ponies. Wilted leaves are considered the most toxic.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acer rubrum
  • Common Names: Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Soft Maple, Scarlet Maple, Carolina Red Maple, Drummond Red Maple
  • Synonyms: The text refers to Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) as a 'soft maple', suggesting a grouping based on shared characteristics. Variety drummondii is mentioned as Drummond Maple or Swamp Maple.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Eastern North America, ranging from Quebec to Minnesota in the north, and extending south to Florida.
  • Occurs throughout Kentucky on both wet and dry sites.
  • Best used north of USDA hardiness zone 9 unless irrigated or on a wet site. Trees tend to be shorter in the southern part of their range.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Typically grows to a height of 40-60 feet with a spread of around 40 feet at maturity, but can reach up to 90 feet.
  • Has an oval shape.
  • Considered a fast grower with strong wood.
  • Leaves are simple, opposite, and palmately-lobed, typical of maples, but with shallower lobes than some other species. Variety drummondii has 3- to 5-lobed leaves that are hairy.
  • Red twigs, branchlets, and buds.

Quirky Facts

  • Red Maple is aptly named, displaying red buds in winter, red flowers in spring, red leafstalks in summer, and brilliant red foliage in autumn.

Ecological Role

  • Reproduces well by seed and by sprouts from the stump following cutting.
  • One of the most common hardwood trees in North America due to its ability to thrive in a wide variety of soils and climates.

Additional Information

  • The text references USDA hardiness zones.