Red Maple

Acer rubrum

611 17th Street

Red maples occur across much of central and eastern North America, often in swampy or low-lying ground. It is an adaptable species, widely planted as a shade tree, and for its spectacular fall color. Red maple fall color is inconsistent from tree to tree; some remain almost green or yellow-green, others bright yellow, others flaming orange or red.

Red maples are excellent specimen trees for lawn, park or street, although they do not tolerate heavy pollution. They don’t grow as fast as the silver maple, but are more durable. This tree was damaged in an ice storm, but still measures an impressive 40 feet tall, with a 55 foot spread, and a circumference of 106 inches. The early spring flowers are attractive and forewarn that spring is just "around the corner."

Nominated by: Pearl H. Heineman