Rain Garden Plants: Red Maple
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a medium-sized, deciduous broadleaf shade tree with a large, rounded crown. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH but has a wide tolerance for different soil types and climate factors. Leaves are palmate and lobed, with toothed/serrated leaf edges, and are often smaller than leaves of other maple species. The tree's vivid orange-to-red fall color makes it a desirable choice for ornamental landscapes. Bark is typically light gray and smooth on younger trees and may become darker, rougher, and platy on older trees. Seeds are red double samaras. This tree is tolerant of heat and cold but not tolerant of drought conditions. It attracts birds and serves as a host plant for butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera). It is not resistant to deer browsing.
- Height: 40 to 70 inches
- Bloom color: Pink/red
- Bloom time: Early spring
- Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
- Salt tolerance: Low
- Spreading habit: Seeds
Site Conditions
- Sun: Full sun/partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Hydrologic zones: Medium to wet
Sources
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Prepared by Beth Yount, Jessica Chou, Constance Schmotzer, and Jodi Sulpizio.
Finalized by Jodi Sulpizio
For a printable PDF version of this article, contact Jodi Sulpizio at jrb143@psu.edu.
