🌳 Red Maple

Acer rubrum

The Red Maple is a fast-growing, adaptable shade tree valued for its brilliant red fall color — a rare splash of seasonal change in Florida landscapes. With its upright form, attractive foliage, and tolerance to wet or dry soils, it’s a versatile choice for yards, parks, and streetscapes across Central Florida.

🌸 Foliage & Form

• Foliage: Medium to dark green leaves in spring/summer, turning red to orange in fall

• Flowers: Small red flowers in late winter to early spring

• Form: Upright, oval to rounded canopy

• Habit: Deciduous shade tree with fast growth

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Deciduous shade tree

• Mature Size: 40–60 ft. tall × 25–40 ft. wide

• Growth Habit: Upright, oval-rounded crown

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Adapts to wet, moist, or well-drained soils; tolerates sandy Florida soils

• Water Needs: Moderate; thrives in moist conditions but adapts to drought once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 (great for North & Central Florida)

• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning to shape and remove weak branches

🌟 Why We Love It

• One of the few trees in Florida with true fall color

• Fast-growing shade tree for new landscapes

• Tolerates a wide range of soils, including wet areas

• Provides habitat and seasonal beauty

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Shade tree for residential yards

• Accent tree for fall seasonal color

• Parks, streetscapes, and community spaces

• Rain gardens and retention areas

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Best fall color in full sun

• May develop surface roots — give space from sidewalks or driveways

• Prefers consistent moisture for fastest growth

• Deciduous — drops leaves in winter before flushing fresh growth in spring

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Red Maples in pairs or groups to maximize their brilliant fall display — they’ll bring seasonal drama to Florida yards while doubling as quick shade providers.