Description
Acer rubrum
Red maple is a moderate sized tree. The leaves turn bright red in the fall. Red maple is a very hardy and adaptable tree, and can be found anywhere from swamps to dry, rocky ridges. Growth depends on site quality, with trees tending to grow much larger on moist sites with full sun. Like most maple species in Minnesota, red maple is vulnerable to cold weather damage, especially if planted in open spaces, but is very hardy to damage. Trees have a wide crown when given ample growing space but tend to be narrower in dense woods.
Red maple is commonly planted for landscaping, maple syrup production, and wildlife habitat. It is a good tree for tough sites, including compacted urban soils.
