Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a versatile, fast-growing native tree prized for its stunning seasonal color, ornamental appeal, and wildlife benefits. Reaching 40-70 feet tall in residential landscapes (and occasionally over 100 feet in the wild), this medium to large deciduous tree features a rounded or compact crown that provides excellent shade.

True to its name, red is on display year-round—from pinkish-red spring flowers to reddish fruit (samaras), red-tinged leafstalks, and its brilliant scarlet-to-orange autumn foliage. Young trees have smooth, silvery-gray bark, adding winter interest to the landscape.

Red Maple is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions, though it thrives in moist, acidic, organically rich soils. This popular landscaping tree is perfect for shade, rain gardens, and naturalized areas, and it provides valuable habitat for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and pollinators.

Why Grow Red Maple?

• Brilliant Seasonal Color: Displays red flowers in early spring, red fruit in summer, and fiery red-orange leaves in fall.
• Fast-Growing Shade Tree: Provides cooling shade in just a few years, making it an excellent yard or street tree.
• Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly: Supports birds, butterflies, and native moth species while providing food and shelter for squirrels and deer.
• Tolerant & Adaptable: Thrives in moist, acidic soils but adapts to varied conditions, including swampy and dry sites.
• Erosion Control & Rain Garden Favorite: Naturally found in wetlands, making it ideal for rain gardens and flood-prone areas.
• Pollinator-Safe: Grown non-GMO and free of harmful neonicotinoids, promoting a healthy ecosystem for pollinators and wildlife.

Available as single trees shipped in one-gallon containers to establish a beautiful, fast-growing shade tree in your landscape.

Planting Tips:

1. Location: Prefers full sun to part shade for best foliage color and growth. Thrives in moist, acidic, well-drained soils but adapts to varied landscapes. Avoid planting near sidewalks or driveways, as surface roots may develop over time.
2. Watering: Water regularly during the first few years to establish deep roots. Prefers moist conditions and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture.
3. Spacing & Planting: Space trees 30-40 feet apart for optimal canopy growth. Works well as a stand-alone shade tree, rain garden addition, or naturalized planting.
4. Maintenance: Minimal care required. If desired, prune in late fall or winter to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain shape. Leaves and bark can be toxic to livestock, so avoid planting near grazing areas. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

For more information on planting, view our How to Plant Your Native Plants guide and other planting tips in the Garden for Wildlife Learning Center.

Plant a Red Maple and enjoy vibrant seasonal color, cooling shade, and a tree that benefits both people and wildlife!

Shipping Range:

• CT
• DC
• DE
• IA
• IL
• IN
• KY
• MA
• MD
• ME
• MI
• MN
• MO
• NC
• NH
• NJ
• NY
• OH
• PA
• RI
• TN
• VA
• VT
• WI
• WV

Zip Code Verification: Our plants are grown regionally to thrive where you live and help local wildlife. Confirm availability for your area using the zip code checker near the add to cart button above.

Returns: Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to offer order cancellations, returns or exchanges. In order to guarantee your satisfaction, all plants are covered by our 365-Day Plant Guarantee.

*To ensure your plants arrive healthy, we may delay shipments to certain areas during times of extreme temperatures, natural disasters, or other conditions that will impact the plants during transit

Sizing: This tree ships in a one gallon container with established root mass.

Recommended container sizes (in width) for container planting: