Red Maple

Latin Name: Acer rubrum

Facts about Red Maple:

• Is widely planted as ornamental and the red maple is one of the first trees to flower each Spring.

• The Red Maple grows quickly, usually lives 75-100 years, and is very similar to the silver maple.

• From the Maple Family

• Looks Like:

  • Shape and size: Trees 20-25 m tall

  • Flowers:

    • Reddish and short stalked

    • About 3 mm across

    • Flowers in tassel-like clusters

• Habitat:

  • Cool, moist sites by swamp, streams and springs but it can sometimes be found in upland drier sites.

BioDiversity Benefits:

• Provides habitat from wildlife by providing housing or even a cooler micro-climate.

• Attracts pollinators

Historical Use:

• Woods has been used for: pulp and for making crates, furniture, cabinets, and flooring.

• Can be used to make maple syrup but red maple sap is only half as sweet as that of sugar maple.