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Red Maple

Red Maple

Red Maple

(Swamp Maple, Soft Maple)

Acer Rubrum

A common species native to New Brunswick. The flowers, immature fruits, buds and leaf stalks are usually red. Exceptional foliage display in fall from bright yellow, orange to deep red. Seeds mature in summer and are a valuable food source for local wildlife. Sap can be harvested to make maple syrup. Wind pollinated male and female flowers are on the same tree. Maple trees are ‘bleeders’ so prune them in the fall. If pruned in spring they will ooze sap continuously and in summer the sap will attract insects that can transmit disease through the wound. Hybridizes with Silver Maple if planted close by.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to New Brunswick, Native to North America

Height

Large (60-100ft)

Width

Wide

Form

Irregular, Oval

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Long (over 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

3, 4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Mostly Shade (slow growth), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Dry, Slightly Alkaline, Wet

Other Tolerances

Occasional Flooding

Ornamental Interest

Buds, Flowers (attractive), Leaves (colour)

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterflies (flowers), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood), Edible (sap), Fuel (wood)

Seed Collection

Personally in NB

Planting Considerations

Intolerant of Urban Pollution