Red Maple

 

Red maple is a medium-size shade tree with an oval to round crown and upright grey branches. It is primarily grown as a shade tree with a medium growth rate. Because it requires regular irrigation, it is a good choice for planting in a lawn.

Although it has tiny clusters of flowers, they are not noticeable. Its most ornamental feature is its shiny green, pointed leaves which turn bright red to yellow in fall.

Red maple grows best in soils with a pH of 7.4 or less. If the soil pH is higher, which is common in Colorado's Front Range, red maple will develop iron cholorosis and never become a vigorous, beautiful shade tree. If you're unsure of your soil's pH, it's worth having it tested at a professional soil testing lab before planting red maple.

Red maple will not grow well in dry, hot locations.

 

Red Maple

 

Red maple is a medium-size shade tree with an oval to round crown and upright grey branches. It is primarily grown as a shade tree with a medium growth rate. Because it requires regular irrigation, it is a good choice for planting in a lawn.

Although it has tiny clusters of flowers, they are not noticeable. Its most ornamental feature is its shiny green, pointed leaves which turn bright red to yellow in fall.

Red maple grows best in soils with a pH of 7.4 or less. If the soil pH is higher, which is common in Colorado's Front Range, red maple will develop iron cholorosis and never become a vigorous, beautiful shade tree. If you're unsure of your soil's pH, it's worth having it tested at a professional soil testing lab before planting red maple.

Red maple will not grow well in dry, hot locations.

 

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Acer rubrum

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Pronunciation

AY-ser ROO-brum

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Mature Height

30 to 40 ft.

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Mature Spread

30 to 40 ft.

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Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

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Flower Color

red

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Bloom time

inconspicuous; blooms before leaves emerge in spring

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Colorado Native

No

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Natural Habitat

Eastern North America

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Light Requirements

sun

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 3-9

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 7,000 ft.

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