Japanese Japanese maples with red foliage are sometimes available in the trade under the name 'red maple', but this actually means the red maple (Acer rubrum), which is widespread in eastern North America. This imposing tree is also very popular in Germany, which is why we want to present it in more detail in a short profile.

The red maple does not have red leaves all year round

The most important things in brief - the Rotahorn at a glance

  • Botanical name: Acer rubrum
  • Genus: Maples (Acer)
  • Family: Soapberry family (Sapindaceae)
  • Alternative names: swamp maple, scarlet maple
  • Origin and distribution: North America
  • Location: sunny to semi-shady
  • Growth form: tree
  • Growth height: up to 27 meters, between 10 and 15 meters here
  • Flowering and flowering period: red inflorescences before the leaves sprout
  • Leaves: five-lobed, dark green
  • Autumn colour: intense red
  • Fruits: split fruits, ripen shortly after leaves sprout
  • Propagation: seeds, cuttings
  • Hardiness: yes
  • Toxicity: no
  • Use: ornamental tree

Appearance and Features

In its homeland, the red maple can grow up to 40 meters high, but rarely reaches more than 20 meters. In our latitudes, growth is usually already complete at a height of between 10 and 15 meters. The loose, not particularly dense crown has a conical shape. The typical silver-grey bark can peel off in older specimens in places, while twigs and branches are more gray to reddish-brown in color depending on age. The narrow, five-lobed leaves, up to ten centimeters long, are dark green in summer and turn intense yellow, orange or scarlet in autumn - depending on the intensity of the sun and the location.

The red maple in the garden

Like so many maple species, the red maple prefers a sunny to light, semi-shady location with fresh, moist soil. The substrate should be rich in nutrients and have a pH in the slightly acidic to neutral range. On the other hand, heavy clay soils are unsuitable, and the red maple does not particularly like calcareous soils either. The tree is very frost hardy, but does not tolerate wind or heat. Therefore, a location with a shading over midday makes sense. Young red maple can also be cultivated in containers, but should later be either planted out or kept in shape by regular pruning.

tips

Red maple is very suitable for a bonsai culture.

Category:

Trees