Red Maple Seeds (Acer rubrum) - Zone 3-4 - 50+ Seeds

The Red Maple (Acer rubrum), also known as Scarlet Maple, Carolina Maple, or Swamp Maple, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It's prized for its beautiful red flowers, fruits, and twigs, as well as its brilliant red fall foliage. The tree is known for its adaptability, thriving in a wide range of conditions from sunny to shady and dry to wet soils. This adaptability makes it one of the most abundant trees in the eastern deciduous forest.

Red Maples typically reach a height of 60 to 90 feet, with some growing over 120 feet. The leaves are 5-10 cm long and wide, with three to five palmate lobes and a serrated margin. The leaf color can vary from brilliant red to yellow or orange in the fall, influenced by soil acidity and the sex of the tree. These trees prefer deep, moist, acidic soil for optimal growth.

In early spring, before the leaves, red maples produce small red flowers. These are followed by red samaras (winged seeds), often referred to as helicopters or whirlybirds due to their spinning descent. Red Maples are known for their moderate heat tolerance and can grow well in urban conditions, making them ideal as street trees. They prefer full sun or partial shade exposure and are tolerant of different soil conditions, although they suffer manganese deficiencies in alkaline soils.

Cold Hardiness: Zone 3 to 9
Seed Source: PA, USA (Zone 5b - 7a)
Cold Stratification: 1 month
Planting Instructions: Plant in a location with full to partial sun. The tree adapts to a range of soil types. Regular watering is essential for establishment, especially in the first year.