Red
Maple
Acer
rubrum
Native to the eastern U.S.
Mature Height: 40-70 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Foliage: Deciduous, opposite 3-5 lobed (2"-5"),
leaves turn to brilliant red, orange or yellow in fall
Flower/Fruit: Clusters of tiny red flowers appear before
the leaves in spring
Hardy to Zone 3
Autumn
Blaze |
|
The
first thing I learned about a red maple is that its leaves are
not necessarily red in the autumn. I discovered this after buying
my first red maple and saw bright yellow leaves that fall. Nevertheless,
it was a beautiful tree anyway. Later, I learned that there are
a diverse array of red maples and those that flourish in Alabama
won't in New England and vice versa. Red maples grow naturally
in forests and swamps across the U.S. They are pyramidal in growth
while young and become rounder with age. In the fall, they provide
us with spectacular colors. Tolerates most soil types. Good varieties
are "October Glory", "Autumn Blaze", "Autumn
Flame", and "Red Sunset".
The
red maple is one of the most beautiful and fast growing trees.
However, there is one major fault to be aware of - shallow roots!
As the tree ages, you will begin to notice a dense web of roots
along the surface of the ground. It is difficult to grow grass
underneath these trees and other shrubs and plants will have to
compete with the tree for moisture. I have planted several red
maples in my garden and I grow lots of plants around them. So
far, I've not had any problems but I'm not sure what the future
will bring.
