Plant Min Zone: 3a
Plant Max Zone: 9b
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Red
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Red, Orange
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Low
Wet-Feet Tolerance: High
Humidity Tolerance: Medium, High
Wind Tolerance: Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: Clay Soils
Height: 30' - 50'
Width: 20' - 30'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Tree: Service life varies
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: Tree: No Trimming Needed / Trim as Needed When Mature / Lower Branches.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: Large Tree; Best in Open Areas
Extreme Planting Locations: None
Ornamental Features: Long Lasting Fall Color, Rot Resistant / Strong Wood Tree
Special Landscape Uses: Clean Street Tree
Possible Pest Problems: Occasional Problems
Plant Limitations: Needs Regular Irrigation, Shallow Roots May Cause Problems, May have Environmental Stress / Decline
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a large landscape tree common in Kansas and popular for its red to orange fall color and red spring flowers. While it does well in many soil types including wet compacted clays, it will struggle in an open exposed windy sites if drought stressed. Sun scald is another significant problem that can be prevented with protection or proper siting. The Red Maple has many claims to fame, including the greatest north-south range of any tree species living entirely in the eastern forests from Canada to southern Florida everglades. Its western native range is limited by lack of regular moisture, high pH soils, and intolerance to prairie wildfires. Acer rubrum 'October Glory' is noted for outstanding, reliable, bright orange to deep, reddish purple fall color - even in warmer climates. Foliage is also held on the tree later into fall than with most cultivars.