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red maple
Scientific Name: Acer rubrum var. 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 popular deciduous tree recognized for its vibrant red hues throughout the year. It is also commonly known as Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Soft Maple, Scarlet Maple, Carolina Red Maple, and Drummond Red Maple.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the native red maple (Acer rubrum) is a potent killer of horses and ponies.
- Wilted leaves are mentioned as being the most toxic part of the plant.
- Damage to red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen to tissues is mentioned in the text.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Acer rubrum
- Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
- Synonyms: Scarlet Maple, Swamp Maple, Soft Maple, Carolina Red Maple, Drummond Red Maple, Water Maple
- Variety: Acer rubrum var. drummondii (Drummond Maple, Drummond Red Maple, Swamp Maple)
Distribution and Habitat
- The Red Maple is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America.
- It is native to Eastern North America, ranging from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Florida.
- It occurs throughout Kentucky on both wet and dry sites.
Ecological Role
- The red maple is becoming more common as it typically reproduces well by seed and by sprouts from the stump following cutting.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The red maple is named for its red flowers, red fruit, red twigs, and brilliant red fall foliage.
- It typically grows to a height of 40-60 feet and a spread of around 40 feet at maturity, but can grow up to 90 feet in some areas.
- The red maple has an oval shape and is considered a fast grower with strong wood, reaching a height of 75 feet.
- Leaves are 5 to 15 centimetres in length.
- Leaves are simple, opposite and palmately-lobed.
- Variety drummondii has 3- to 5-lobed leaves that are hairy.
- The trunk can reach 60 centimetres in diameter.
- Many named cultivars give red fall color, but seedlings may be less reliable.
Quirky Facts
- The Red Maple is "one of the best named of all trees, featuring something red in each of the seasons—buds in winter, flowers in spring, leafstalks in summer, and brilliant foliage in autumn."
Additional Information
- The Red Maple is relatively weak-wooded and subject to storm damage.
- Iron chlorosis (an iron deficiency) is a frequent problem in soils with a high pH.