Japanese maples with red foliage are sometimes available commercially under the name 'red maple', but this actually refers to the red maple (Acer rubrum), which is particularly widespread in eastern North America. This impressive tree is also very popular in this country, which is why we would like to introduce it in more detail in a short profile.
What are the characteristics of the red maple (Acer rubrum)?
The red maple (Acer rubrum) is an impressive tree from North America that can grow up to 27 meters high. It prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and is characterized by five-lobed, dark green leaves and red inflorescences as well as impressive autumn color.
The most important things in brief – the red maple at a glance
- Botanical name: Acer rubrum
- Genus: Maples (Acer)
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Alternative names: swamp maple, scarlet maple
- Origin and distribution: North America
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Growth habit: tree
- Growth height: up to 27 meters, for us between 10 and 15 meters
- Flowering and flowering time: red inflorescences before the leaves emerge
- Leaves: five-lobed, dark green
- Autumn color: intense red
- Fruits: Split fruits, ripen shortly after the leaves emerge
- Propagation: seeds, cuttings
- Winter hardiness: yes
- Toxicity: no
- Use: ornamental tree
Appearance and special features
In its homeland, the red maple can grow up to 40 meters high, but rarely reaches more than 20 meters. In our latitudes, growth is usually completed at a height of between 10 and 15 meters. The loose, not particularly dense crown has a conical shape. The typical silver-gray bark can peel off in places on older specimens, while twigs and branches are colored gray to reddish-brown depending on age. The narrow, five-lobed leaves, up to ten centimeters long, are dark green in summer and turn intense yellow, orange or scarlet red in autumn - depending on the intensity of the sun and the location.
The red maple in the garden
Like so many maple species, the red maple prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with fresh, moist soil. The substrate should be nutrient-rich and have a pH value in the slightly acidic to neutral range. Heavy clay soils, on the other hand, are unsuitable; even calcareous soils are not particularly suitable for the red maple. The tree is very frost hardy, but does not tolerate wind or heat. Therefore, a location with shade during midday makes sense. Young red maple can also be grown in containers, but should either be planted out later or kept in shape by regular pruning.
Tip
Red maple is very suitable for bonsai cultivation.
