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red maple

Scientific Name: Acer rubrum var. trilobum

Family: Aceraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Acer rubrum: The Red Maple

Acer rubrum, commonly known as Red Maple, is a widespread deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant red hues throughout the year. It is also known by the common names Swamp Maple, Water Maple, and Soft Maple. Other common names include Scarlet Maple, Swamp Maple, Soft Maple, Carolina Red Maple, Drummond Red Maple, and Water Maple.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text states that Red Maple can be a "potent killer of horses and ponies." Wilted leaves are noted as being most toxic.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acer rubrum L.
  • Family: Not explicitly stated, but inferred to be part of the Acer family.
  • Common Names: Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Soft Maple, Scarlet Maple, Carolina Red Maple, Drummond Red Maple.
  • Variety: Acer rubrum var. drummondii, known as Drummond Maple or Swamp Maple.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Red Maple is native to Eastern North America, ranging from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Florida.
  • It is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America.
  • It occurs throughout Kentucky on both wet and dry sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Red Maples typically grow to a height of 40-60 feet and a spread of around 40 feet at maturity, though they can reach up to 90 feet.
  • They are medium-sized trees that can grow up to 25 metres tall, with a trunk that&#39s 60 centimetres in diameter.
  • Red Maple has an oval shape and is a fast grower.
  • Leaves are simple, opposite and palmately-lobed. They tend to have shallower lobes than other Maple species.
  • The species is named for its red flowers, red fruit, red twigs, and brilliant red fall foliage.
  • Variety drummondii has 3- to 5-lobed leaves that are hairy.

Ecological Role

  • Red Maple is becoming more common, reproducing well by seed and sprouts from the stump following cutting.
  • It thrives in a wide variety of soils and climates.

Additional Information

  • Red Maple is often planted for its spectacular orange and red fall color, with many cultivar varieties available.
  • 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.