Red Maple
The red maple (Acer rubrum) grows well on a wide range of soil types. It is fast growing and grows to a height of 50 to 70 feet tall.
Habitat: Grows on wooded bluffs in extreme northeast Iowa.
Hardiness: Maples vary in hardiness. Most fall into zones 4 through 8, but some are less tolerant of cold or heat than others. When selecting a maple tree, be sure to select a species suited for Iowa's weather.
Growth Rate: Maples vary in growth rate. Maples that are fast growing tend to have weak wood and may suffer from wind and ice damage. Slower growing Maples have heavier, harder wood, making them less susceptible to branch and limb drop.
Mature Shape: Maples typically have a large, rounded crown. Tree canopies may be very dense or wide spreading.
Height: Mature height varies with species.
Width: Width varies with species.
Site Requirements: Maple trees perform best in moist, well-drained soils. Site requirements vary with the species of maple.
Leaves: Opposite simple
Flowering Dates: March - May
Seed Dispersal Dates: April - June
Seed Bearing Age: 4 years
Seed Bearing Frequency: Yearly
Seed Stratification: No stratification period is needed.
The leaves are arranged opposite on the twigs. They are broadly ovate with 3 shallow short-pointed lobes turning red, orange, and yellow in the autumn. The lobes sinuses are sharp, with toothed margins.
The fruit is a v-shaped samara (winged seed). The twigs are shiny red with numerous small lenticels.
Diseases that Can Affect Red Maple
- Tar Spot
- Verticillium Wilt
- Phyllostica Leaf Spot
- Sooty Mold
Pests that Can Affect Red Maple
- Woolly Alder Aphid
- Giant Bark Aphid
- Cottony Maple Scale
- Oystershell Scale
- Yellowbellied Sapsucker
- Scale Insects