Acer rubrum aka Red Maple

Taxonomy

Acer rubrum, also known as red maple, is a deciduous tree found in eastern and central North America. It is recognized as the most abundant native tree in the region and is highly adaptable to a wide range of site conditions. Red maple can grow in swamps, poor dry soils, and almost anywhere in between. It is known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in autumn, making it a popular choice for landscaping. The tree can reach a height of 30 meters and its leaves, petioles, twigs, and seeds are all red to varying degrees. Red maple is used commercially for maple syrup production and for its high-quality lumber. It is also the state tree of Rhode Island. In young, frequently logged forests, red maple can be considered weedy or invasive, but in mature or old-growth northern hardwood forests, it has a sparse presence. In contrast, shade-tolerant trees such as sugar maples, beeches, and hemlocks thrive in these environments. Red maple is a member of the Sapindaceae family, and it grows faster than Norway or sugar maple but slower than silver maple, making it a better choice for urban landscaping. In the northern part of its range, red maple is usually found in wet bottomlands or moist woods, but further south it may be seen in drier rocky areas. The tree is also known by other names such as swamp maple, water maple, or soft maple.

Common names

Red Maple, Scarlet Maple, Soft Maple

How to care for Red Maple

Difficulty

Caring for Red Maple is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Red Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Red Maple requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Scarlet Maple, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Red Maple will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Red Maple requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Scarlet Maple is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Red Maple to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Red Maple is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Red Maple is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Red Maple’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Texas, Minnesota and Ontario.


More info:
Wikipedia