Doug Tallamy (2009) notes that in addition to the red maple acting as a larval host for the Cecropia Moth ( Hyalophora cecropia), maples support many forest-loving Lepidoptera: Horse owners should note, however, that wilted or dried maple leaves can be toxic to horses. Young shoots are a favorite of white-tailed deer. The fruits (samaras) provide food for squirrels and many other rodents. After fires or hurricanes, when many trees are decimated, red maples spring up quickly and can become the dominant species in the forest. Deep, moist, acidic soil results in the healthiest red maples.Īlthough their life span averages 80-100 years, not a long life in tree terms, they begin producing seeds at about 4 years. Despite their remarkable adaptations, red maples grow better in some conditions than in others. When red maples grow in dry sites, a long taproot and short lateral roots develop. If the tree is placed in wet soil, it grows a short taproot and extensive lateral roots to soak up water at the surface. Adaptable roots help the red maple to cope with differing moisture levels. Red maples do well in sunny or shady spots, dry or wet soil, and high or low elevation. A generalist species is one that can tolerate a wide range of habitat conditions and uses many different types of resources. This status can be attributed to the tree’s generalist tendencies. Red maples are perhaps the most abundant tree in the eastern deciduous forest. Young trunks are smooth and light gray older trunks are darker gray and separated by vertical ridges into large, plate-like scales. Leaves are medium to dark green, 2–6″ in length, with 3 or 5 lobes, and roughly-toothed edges. ![]() The flowers become reddish-green, two-winged fruits (samaras) that can be seen twirling to the ground by early May. ![]() Male flowers are pink to red, rarely yellow female flowers have two bright red arching styles in the center. Occasionally flowers are perfect (have both male and female parts). Male and female flowers typically occur on separate trees, but can be on separate branches on the same tree. Red maple samaras (fruit) Photo: David Stephens, Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License.Ĭlusters of small, red buds and red flowers appear on the tree in early spring (March/April) before the leaves appear.
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