The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is one of the most widely distributed and resilient trees in eastern North America. It grows from the swamps of Florida to the mountains of Quebec — and it thrives here in Connecticut in everything from dry ridges to moist riverbanks.
Its leaves are instantly recognizable: opposite, simple, and usually with 3 to 5 lobes. In fall, they turn stunning shades of scarlet, orange, and yellow, often on the same tree. That color brilliance, paired with its adaptability, is why Red Maple is often the first choice for street plantings, front yards, and reforestation.
Red Maples are also fast growers — sometimes up to 3 feet per year — and they support pollinators in spring with tiny red flowers that bloom even before the leaves emerge.
While they’re not the top host for native insects like the White Oak, they still play an important ecological role. Their seeds (samaras) are a key food for squirrels and birds, and the tree provides shade, oxygen, and soil stabilization in developed areas.
Quick Facts:
- Native to CT and much of the Eastern U.S.
- Height: 40–60 ft (can reach 90+ ft)
- Extremely adaptable to different soils
- Brilliant fall color; early spring red blossoms
Sources:
USDA Plants Database, Morton Arboretum, NC State Extension, Connecticut Botanical Society