Also known as Autumn Flame · Canadian Maple · Fire Maple
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to pets. See toxicity details.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its vibrant red autumn foliage, red flowers, and red samaras. It is adaptable to various soil condit
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade for best growth and fall color.
80% intensity
Consistent moisture, especially when young. Tolerates some drought when established.
70% intensity
Adaptable, prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
50% intensity
Hardy in a wide range of temperatures, thrives in temperate climates.
80% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Generally not needed for established trees; use balanced slow-release if growth is poor.
30% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Wilted leaves are highly toxic to horses, causing hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include lethargy, dark urine, and jaundice. Other pets are generally less affected but caution is advised.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Red Maples require consistent moisture, especially during their establishment period in the first few years after planting. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain vigor and prevent stress.
Pruning Red Maples is best done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant, or in mid-summer after the leaves have fully developed.
Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to maintain tree health and safety. Also, prune to improve structural integrity by removing crossing or rubbing branches and maintaining a single central leader.
Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall to prevent excessive sap bleeding and potential winter injury.
Red Maples can be propagated from seeds, softwood cuttings, or by grafting. Seeds require stratification and are best sown in autumn for spring germination.
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer can be rooted with the aid of rooting hormone and bottom heat. Grafting is often used for specific cultivars to ensure genetic identicality.
Repotting is not applicable for mature Red Maples as they are large landscape trees.
Young saplings grown in containers for transplanting should be moved to larger pots as they outgrow their current size, typically every 1-2 years, until they are ready for permanent placement in the ground.
Ensure good drainage in all containers.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | Acer rubrum |
Similar in genus Acer
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
