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 |
