Table of Contents for Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a deciduous tree found in eastern United States, west to Texas and is perhaps one of the most common trees due to fire suppression. The genus, Acer, is a host plant for many moths and the red maple is a host to two of them. The reddish flowers are one of the first flowers to come out in the spring. Red maple grows in a variety of habitats and can grow to 120 feet tall.
Taxonomy and History of Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Taxonomy
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) was described and named by Carl Von Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum. It has kept the same name since. This plant is a member of the Maple Family (Aceraceae).
Physical Description and Alternative Names
Description
Red maple is a deciduous tree that can grow to up to 120 feet tall. When planted in a landscape situation it can be smaller. The alternate, simple, serrate leaves range from 3 to 6 inches in length and width. It has red flowers that bloom in the late winter to spring depending on location and elevation.
Alternative Names
This plant is also known as Carolina Maple, Curled Maple, Drummond’s Maple (var. drummondii), and Swamp Maple.
Range and Habitat
Range
This species is native from the eastern United States west to Texas. It has been planted in South Dakota and Oregon. In Canada, it is found in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland.
Habitat
This tree can be found in a lot of different habitats from dry to wet. It can be found in a lot of planted settings as a landscape tree.
Insects and Other Wildlife it Supports
Host Species
This tree is a host to the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) and the Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda).
Other Wildlife Value
The flowers attract bees and other insects. The winged seeds are eaten by birds and squirrels.
Interesting Facts
The genus name, Acer, is Latin for maple tree. The species name, rubrum, means “red” in Latin. (Missouri Botanical Garden).