Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Learn about the red maple including when and why it was planted, how to identify it, and where to find it on campus.
Tree Facts
Family: Aceraceae
Type
Deciduous
Fall color
Size
Large (greater than 50 feet)
Traits
- Leaf lobes resemble the palm of a hand and are 2-5 inches long
- Small reddish flowers that appear in tiny clusters before new leaves emerge
- Smooth, light gray bark
- Susceptible to bacterial leaf scorch, anthracnose, aphids, and scale
Native Range
- Eastern North America
Story of the Tree
There are several red maples on both East and West Campus. It is the one tree type that is planted in a very formal arrangement. They're found on both sides of the main road leading to the Legislative Building and on both sides of the East Campus plaza's primary sidewalk, which leads pedestrians to West Campus.
Their upright canopy creates formal lines of sight that frame magnificent campus views. They also create shade during warm summer days.
Many red maple varieties have been developed for more brilliant fall colors. In the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada, people use its sap to make maple syrup.
