MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

Acer rubrum

• Height: 40’ - 60’
• Site characteristics: Full sun to partial shade; sandy loam to fine, silty clay
• Zone: 3b - 9a
• Wet/dry: Moist soils, flood tolerance of specific cultivars is listed below
• Native range: Eastern United States
• Salt: Sensitive
• pH: 5.0 - 7.0
• Other: Adaptable
• Ornamental characteristics: Good fall color
• Shape: Round upright
• Cultivars: ‘Autumn Flame’ – early, persistent red fall color, Zone 3b. ‘Northwood’ – good, orange-red fall color, Zone 3b. ‘October Glory’ – excellent red fall color, Zone 5a. ‘Red Skin’ – large, thick foliage; early reddish-maroon fall color, Zone 4. ‘RedSunset.’
• Additional: Transplant in spring, specify ‘own-rooted’ as graft incompatibility can be a problem.
• Pests: Shallow root system and thin bark. Can be chlorotic in alkaline soils. Prone to Verticillium wilt. Leafhoppers and borers can be of concern, but rarely fatal.

 
Photos: Jesse Saylor, MSU.

Photo: Jesse Saylor, MSU.

Map indicates species’ native range. Source: U.S. Geological Survey.

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