Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Deciduous TreeAbout Red Maple
Red Maple is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees in eastern North America, named for its red flowers, red fruit, red twigs, and brilliant red fall color. It is highly adaptable, growing in both wet and dry conditions, and is among the most popular shade and street trees.
Quick Facts
How to Identify Red Maple
- Three to five-lobed leaves with V-shaped sinuses and serrated margins
- Red flowers, fruit (samaras), and twigs, especially in spring
- Smooth, light gray bark on young trees; darker, platy bark with age
- Brilliant scarlet to orange fall color
- Rounded to oval crown
Care Guide
- Water during prolonged dry periods, especially young trees
- Prune in late summer to prevent heavy sap bleeding
- Avoid damage to surface roots from mowing
- Watch for verticillium wilt, which causes branch dieback
- Choose cultivars for consistent fall color, as seedlings are variable
Known Issues (6)
Asian Longhorned Beetle
CRITICALA large wood-boring beetle that attacks hardwoods including maples, elms, willows, and birches. Native to China and Korea, it was first detected in New York in 1996. Infestations can kill trees within a few years.
Affecting 5 regions
Spotted Lanternfly
MODERATEAn invasive planthopper native to China first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. While it primarily threatens agriculture (grapes, hops, fruit trees), it feeds on over 70 plant species. It excretes honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth.
Affecting 21 regions
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
HIGHA chronic bacterial disease that affects many shade tree species, particularly oaks, elms, sycamores, and maples. The bacterium is transmitted by xylem-feeding leafhoppers and spittlebugs and colonizes the water-conducting vessels, restricting water flow. Symptoms worsen each year as more of the canopy is affected. There is no cure.
Affecting 19 regions
Verticillium Wilt
HIGHA soilborne fungal disease that affects hundreds of plant species including maples, elms, redbuds, and many other trees. The fungus invades through roots and colonizes the vascular system, blocking water transport. Symptoms often appear suddenly on individual branches. Maples are particularly susceptible. Olive-green to brown streaking in the sapwood is diagnostic.
Affecting 27 regions
Leaf Spot Diseases
LOWA broad group of fungal diseases that cause discrete spots on the leaves of deciduous trees. Most are primarily cosmetic and do not seriously harm established trees. They are most common during wet spring and summer weather. Many different fungi cause leaf spots on different tree species.
Affecting 38 regions
Tar Spot
LOWA very common and distinctive fungal disease of maple leaves. The raised black spots are dramatic in appearance but the disease is almost entirely cosmetic and does not harm tree health. It is most severe in cool, wet years. The fungus overwinters in fallen leaves.
Affecting 22 regions