Plant/Tree of the Month
March 2007

Acer rubrum – Red or Swamp Maple

The Red Maple or Swamp Maple is aptly and descriptively named. It has nice green foliage all summer but when autumn arrives it can be counted on to put on a blazing show of red color (see photo above) that has led to its common name. It gets the common name Swamp Maple from its ability to thrive and successfully compete against many other native trees in soggy poorly drained sites.

Its’ oval to rounded shape and 40’ to 70’ mature height make it a popular tree for urban settings.

It’s a great specimen tree and can be used as a street tree where power lines are not a consideration. If planted in a more densely forested setting the Red Maple will grow taller and thinner and consequently out compete its’ neighbors for available light.

Many cultivars are available in the Nursery trade and some clones have been selected for their shape as they mature and some are selected to provide reliable fall color and varied fall color timing.

The Green Team Highly recommends the Red Maple for Homeowners looking for a nice shade tree.

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