Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
360"–1200" H × 240"–600" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red maple is a fast-growing native tree that provides excellent fall color with brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves. It adapts well to various soil conditions and produces small red flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Maple is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space
- Shallow roots can interfere with nearby plantings
Wildlife value
Host plant for rosy maple moth, cecropia moth, luna moth.
The early spring flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles when few other food sources are available. Seeds feed birds and small mammals, while the tree supports numerous native caterpillars.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Red Maple fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.