Red Maple
acer rubrum
Also known as: ["Swamp Maple","Soft Maple","Water Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to North America, known for its vibrant red foliage in autumn and reddish bark.
Benefits & Perks
["seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer rubrum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers space for root and canopy growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; remove deadwood as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate for shaping; heavy for structural corrections in young trees.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust for younger trees to partial shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun; ensure adequate water during high light exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth for young trees; monitor leaf color for light stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
moist, well-drained, slightly acidic loam
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6.5).
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9, tolerating temperatures from -30°C to 40°C. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid planting in microclimates prone to extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only if growth is poor; avoid late-season fertilization to prevent frost damage; water thoroughly after application.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is common; softwood cuttings can also be used for faster results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Seeds: cold stratify, sow shallowly, keep moist.
- Cuttings: take 4–6 inch cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring for seeds; late spring to early summer for cuttings when new growth is flexible.
Environment
Warm (20–25°C), humid, and partially shaded for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Seed: well-drained soil mix; Cuttings: moist perlite or sand with some organic matter.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Seeds: germination in 1–3 months with cold stratification; Cuttings: roots in 4–8 weeks, establishment in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to reduce height or encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and improve air circulation. Focus on structural pruning when young.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts just above buds or branches; remove crossing/rubbing branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove tree carefully, trim roots if necessary, place in a larger pot with fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown outdoors; container-grown trees may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove tree; prune roots if pot-bound; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply slowly to allow absorption, and continue until water begins to drain from the soil surface. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to enhance fertility and moisture retention; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (browning edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, bud damage, or dieback, especially in young or newly planted trees.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect young trees with burlap screens in winter; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced growth due to water stress.
Solution: Provide supplemental water during heatwaves; use shade during peak sun hours; ensure adequate soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Test soil before fertilizing; use the correct dilution; apply evenly around the root zone; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply according to package instructions, avoiding over-fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of red maple leaves by cats can lead to oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
ToxicRed maple leaves, particularly when wilted, contain gallic acid and other compounds that can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells in dogs, leading to hemolytic anemia. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicAcer rubrum, commonly known as red maple, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds or sap may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of tannins and other plant compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Red Maple have any medicinal uses?
A: While not commonly used in modern medicine, some traditional remedies have utilized parts of the tree for minor ailments.
Q: How fast does the Red Maple grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically gaining about 1-2 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Q: Is the Red Maple suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is adaptable to urban conditions but may require additional care to thrive in polluted or compacted soil areas.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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