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Acer rubrum is commonly known as the Red maple, and also
called Swamp Maple, is widespread, from Southeast
Manitoba, East to Newfoundland, to South Florida and
Eastern Texas. In nature, it is a tree to 90 feet,
usually smaller. It tolerates ozone and is somewhat
tolerant of sulfer dioxide, making it a good tree for
urban areas. Great bonsai specimen.
Young trees are often pyramidal or elliptical and are
fast growers with strong wood. Older trees develop
ascending branches, resulting in an ovoid or rounded
crown. The bark of Acer rubrum is tender and scars easily.
The leaves are opposite, 2 to 4 inches, quite variable in
shape, 3-5 lobed; dullish green, with usually reddish
leafstalk. They turn brilliant red in Fall. The flowers
are small, showy, red and begin to bloom in late Winter
or early Spring and bloom through March. The fruits or
seeds are also red, and are winged. They occur in great
profusion in late Spring and early Summer.
Hardiness zones 4-9, (-32°C/-25°F,-5°C/25°F) in
Winter. Grow in full sun to part shade. In nature, it
grows near stream and pond banks, mesic forests, swamps
and sometimes drier uplands. Being a wetland tree by
preference, the Red maple will survive in, and may even
prefer, a heavier, more water-retaining soil than other
maples. Do not keep Red maples in water except during the
hottest part of the Summer, above 95°F. Water copiously
during the warm months, especially if the soil does not
hold water. In hot climates keeping the tree in a shallow
tray of water may be necessary. They will, do quite well
in a normal bonsai soil. Fertilize weekly, beginning in
early Spring; bi-weekly in Fall until leaves begin to
turn. Use a well-balanced fertilizer (10-10-10).
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