Tree Description
Red maples are fast-growing, medium-sized trees that can grow to 90 feet tall with trunks to 2 feet in diameter. They have a somewhat narrow, rounded crown.
Range / Site Description
These trees are abundant in low, moist areas in the eastern part of the state.
Leaf
Leaf blades are 2” to 5” long on a petiole 2” to 4” long, and they have 3-5 pointed saw-toothed lobes separated by sharp angular sinuses or openings. In autumn, the leaves turn a brilliant shade of red or orange-yellow.
Flower & Fruit
The red flowers appear in clusters in early spring before the leaves, and the buds sometimes turn a deep red before they open.
The fruit is a “key”, or double “samara”, ripening in late spring or early summer, and is red to brownish-red in color. Each half of the fruit is about ½” to 1” long.
Interesting Facts
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Acer rubrum |
| Secondary Names: | Swamp Maple, Trident Maple, Drummond Red Maple |
| Tree Type: | Deciduous |
| Dimensions: | Height: 90 feet Trunk Diameter: 2 feet |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple |
| Leaf Size: | 2-5 inches long and 2-4 inches wide |
| Leaf Shape: | Palmately Lobed |
| Leaf Margin: | Serrated |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Red Maple |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Red Maple