Red maple 18-24"
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is one of North America’s most adaptable and widely recognized native trees, prized for its brilliant fall color and ecological versatility. From wetlands to upland forests, this species thrives across a range of soil types and moisture conditions, making it a reliable choice for restoration, shade, and ornamental plantings.
In spring, Red Maple produces clusters of red flowers that support early-season pollinators, followed by winged samaras that feed birds and small mammals. Its leaves—three-lobed and finely serrated—shift from soft green to fiery red, orange, or yellow in autumn, creating a seasonal spectacle. Mature trees reach 40 to 70 feet tall with a rounded crown and smooth gray bark that darkens and furrows with age.
Hardy in Zones 3–9, Red Maple is fast-growing and tolerant of urban stress, making it ideal for streetscapes, riparian buffers, and wildlife corridors. Its roots stabilize soil, its canopy cools the landscape, and its beauty anchors the seasons.