Red Maple is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its vibrant red foliage in autumn. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, it serves as a pioneer species, thriving in a variety of soil conditions, including wet and poorly drained soils, which makes it excellent for erosion control and reforestation projects. It plays a role in the mid-canopy layer of a food forest, providing shade and habitat for wildlife. Red Maple is also valued for its rapid growth and adaptability, making it suitable for windbreaks and shade in natural farming systems. Historically, it has been used by Indigenous peoples for its sap and wood. In guilds, it pairs well with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and supports a diverse understory of shade-tolerant species.
Growing Details
Red Maple grows best in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and wet soils. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and shade-tolerant understory plants like ferns. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and planting in overly compacted soils. Harvest sap in
Edible Parts
Sap
Tags
Carbon Farming Attracts Wildlife Fire Wood Building Wood Windbreak Erosion Preventing Bee Friendly Visual Appeal Easy Propagating Colouring Sweetener
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer rubrum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Eastern North America
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(2/5)
edible uses: The sap of Red Maple can be used to produce a syrup, though it is less sweet than that of the Sugar Maple. It is typically harvested in late winter to early spring when the sap begins to flow.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the bark and leaves have been used in folk medicine for their astringent properties to treat various ailments such as diarrhea and sore throats. However, caution is advised as the bark can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
health concerns: The bark can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
other uses: Red Maple wood is used for furniture, flooring, and as a source of pulpwood. It can also be used as firewood.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Acer rubrum</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Acer rubrum
common names: Red Maple; Swamp Maple; Soft Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 30.0 m
max width: 12.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Red Maple grows best in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and wet soils. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and shade-tolerant understory plants like ferns. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and planting in overly compacted soils. Harvest sap in
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids, leafhoppers, and scale insects. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help repel pests. Organic sprays such as neem oil can be used for scale insects.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Loading comments...