NAME:
COMMON – Red Maple
BOTANICAL – Acer rubrum
FAMILY – Aceraceae (also listed as Sapindaceae) 

DERIVATION:
Native to the eastern deciduous forest (Maine to Florida and west to Texas) 

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
Growth rate from 12” to 18” a year with a mature height of 60’ to 90’ and mature width of 35’ to 40’. Average lifespan is 80 to 100 years.

GROWTH LOCATION:
A “generalist”, it is the most common deciduous tree of eastern and central North America. It can grow in dry or wet soil, sun or shade but grows best in acidic, deep, moist, but well-drained soil and is fairly drought tolerant once established. Prefers full sun to partial shade and transplants easily. 

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:

The seeds of the maple are called samaras and are eaten by squirrels and other small mammals, the wood can be used to make furniture and is often used for musical instruments and the sap can be used in the production of maple syrup. The tree grows well in an urban environment and the named cultivars provide intense fall color. 

Native Americans used red maple bark as a wash for inflamed eyes and as a remedy for hives and muscular aches. They would brew tea from the inner bark to treat coughs and diarrhea. Pioneers made brown and black dyes from bark extract. 

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