Description:
Various sources place the number of maple species in the
world between ninety and two hundred. Mostly, they are found in the northern
hemisphere: North America, Europe, and Asia. Red
maple ranges across eastern North America from Canada
through Florida.
This is a tall, deciduous tree with the potential to reach 100 feet or more in
height. Wild plants in Florida
occur in wet sites. The soft wood of red maple is susceptible to wood rot and
brittle branches. The best grades of red maple timber are sometimes used in
commercial lumber but its softer wood is more prone to defects than the
preferred maple species. Maple syrup from red maple is considered to be of high
quality. Reportedly, the bark was used by native Americans and early settlers
as medicine, a blue dye, and in the manufacture of ink. for Several varieties
for the landscape trade were selected for superior fall color or variations in
growth habit. Maple is an important browse for wildlife and the abundantly
produced seeds are a wildlife food.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: moderate drought tolerance once established, best with irrigation or in a moist site
Soil: average soil, wide pH tolerance, no special requirements
Red maple grows easily and relatively fast in north Florida. It is best
suited for a low, moist site. When conditions combine in just the right way,
the orange, red, to purple fall foliage of red maple can be very attractive in our
area. Red, winged seeds in late winter are its most reliable source of color in
Florida.
