Acer rubrum
A common sight in the eastern forests of North America, these trees are named after the brilliant red color they often turn during fall. They are among the first to begin to change colors when autumn arrives. Additionally, red maples often grow in the understory of forests and are highly adaptable and tolerant to stress. They are sometimes called swamp maple due to their tolerance for moist soils but can be found in a variety of different ecosystems and soil types. Like other maples, red maple seeds— called samaras— are enclosed and have a wing-like projection on the tip, enabling them to twirl rapidly while falling to the ground. These seeds travel further than they ordinarily would be able to do so, allowing the tree to spread its progeny further.
Family: Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
Foliage: Deciduous
Mature height range range: 40-60 feet
Light exposure: Full Sun, partial sun/shade
Soil preference: Acidic soil, moist, well-drained
Tolerance: Alkaline soil, clay soil, occasional flooding, wet sites
Wildlife: pollinated by insects, browsing by game and small mammals, nesting and foraging by songbirds
