06/12/2026
Tree spotlight: Red Maple
The red maple (Acer rubrum) is a widespread, adaptable tree in eastern North America, known for its red twigs, flowers, and brilliant red fall foliage, making it a popular ornamental shade tree. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, from wet bottomlands to drier uplands, and is valued for its fast growth, tolerance of various soils (especially acidic), and use in landscapes, rain gardens, and as a pollinator/wildlife plant, though its wood quality can vary.
Key Characteristics
Leaves: Opposite arrangement, 3-lobed with serrated edges, medium to dark green on top, and grayish-green underneath.
Flowers: Small, red (sometimes yellow) flowers appear in early spring before the leaves, providing nectar for pollinators.
Fruit: Paired, winged seeds (samaras) that are reddish in spring and turn brown as they mature.
Bark: Smooth and gray on young trees, becoming darker and more furrowed with age.
Fall Color: Famous for its vibrant red, orange, or yellow fall foliage, depending on the cultivar.
Growing Conditions & Uses
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Soil: Adaptable to many soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and tolerates wet conditions and temporary flooding. Prefers acidic soil.
Uses: Excellent shade tree, street tree, accent plant, and for rain gardens due to its tolerance for moisture.
Wildlife: Provides food and habitat for numerous birds and insects; a host plant for the Rosy Maple Moth.
‼️‼️Get yours today for $10 each at:
Flat Broke Farm
3428 Beaver Run Rd SW
Hebron, Ohio
Open every day 9 AM to 6 PM.
