Acer rubrum Red maple, Scarlet maple, Swamp maple

Aceraceae

Acer rubrum Red maple, Scarlet maple, Swamp maple

Medium-sized tree with a spherical to conical crown, dense and closed. In its original habitat of North America specimen can be found reaching 25 m. In our regions its maximum height is circa 15 m. The young twigs have an eye-catching red-brown colour. The leaf stalk of the bright green leaf is red too. The underside of the leaf has a blue green colour. The autumn colouring into orange-red hues is one of the most important ornamental traits. The red, dioecious, flowers emerge before the leaves unfurl. The fruits ripen early in summer and drop soon. The tree grows a heavy main root with many fibrous root branches. In limy soil the growth stunts. In this soil, and in dry soil as well, there will be no autumn colouring. Poor tolerance to (sea) wind. Good hardiness. Acer rubrum is at its most spectacular when in full autumn dress. The colouring is most spectacular when the tree grows in moist, slightly acid soils.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
Download PDF
Height
15 - 20 (25) m
Width
10-14m
Crown
round to conical, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
grey trunk, dark red branches
Leaf
palmate, lobed, bright green, circa 10
Autumn colour
orange, red
Flowers
red, in small umbels, March/April, fragrant flowers
Fruits
winged nutlets, ca 2 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
moist, lime-free soil
Soil moisture
withstand short flood, withstand long flood
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
4 (-34,4 to -28,9 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate to poor
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant)
Application
avenues and broad streets
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
eastern North America
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) withstand long flood withstand short flood 1st size , taller than 12 metres dense crown green orange/red early sprout average growing Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) non-toxic (usually) Fragrant flowers
Applications and inspiration
Frequently asked questions
Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 (25) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Acer rubrum is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 15 - 20 (25) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Acer rubrum turn orange, red in autumn.

The right time to plant Acer rubrum is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Acer rubrum with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Acer rubrum blooms in march.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.