ISU Forestry Extension - Tree Identification: Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

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Jesse Randall
Carol Elsberry
Claudette Sandoval-Green

Last Updated:

June 14, 2012

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Red Maple
(Acer rubrum)

Leaves are opposite simple.

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The red maple grows well on a wide range of soil types. It is fast growing and grows to a height of 50 to 70 feet tall.

Hardiness: Maples vary in hardiness. Most fall into zones 4 through 8, but some are less tolerant of cold or heat than others. When selecting a maple tree, be sure to select a species suited for Iowa’s weather.

Growth Rate: Maples vary in growth rate. Maples that are fast growing tend to have weak wood and may suffer from wind and ice damage. Slower growing maples have heavier, harder wood, making them less susceptible to branch and limb drop.

Mature Shape: Maples typically have a large, rounded crown. Tree canopies may be very dense or wide spreading.

Height: Mature height varies with species.

Width: Width varies with species.

Site Requirements: Maple trees perform best in moist, well-drained soils. Site requirements vary with the species of maple.

Flowering Dates: March - May

Seed Dispersal Dates: April - June

Seed Bearing Age: 4 Years

Seed Bearing Frequency: Every year

Seed Stratification:

The leaves are arranged opposite on the twigs. They are broadly ovate with3 shallow short-pointed lobes turning red, orange, and yellow in the autumn. The lobes sinuses are sharp, with toothed margins.

The fruit is a v-shaped samara (winged seed). The twigs are shiny red with numerous small lenticels.

Click on a thumbnail image below to view a larger picture.

Knowledge That Works The Iowa State Forestry Extension offers many educational opportunities and can also custom prepare forestry educational materials and programs to meet the needs of clients.
Where Can You Find Information? Contact: Dr. Jesse Randall by email or call 515-294-1168	Forestry Extension: [Topic of Discussion] Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3221
...And Justice For All Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.