Acer rubrum
Red Maple

Mature Height: 50-145'     Longevity: 300 years

 Acer rubrum leaf. Acer rubrum character art.
   

3-9 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

3-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Literature indicates that A.rubrum found on fairly dry sites (like dry ridges), but also indicate moist soils and wetter sites are generally better suited. Also no source stating a High drought tolerance that might lead to assignment of 2.

9: Frequent reference to presence in swamps leads to assignment of 9.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Firmly ends in Z3. (SOUTH) Solid presence throughout Z9 in Florida but absent from Z9 in LA & TX.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Same. (SOUTH) Solid presence in Z9 even in LA & East TX. Also identified in all of FL even Z10 at tip.


   

7   Sun Strength

7   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

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6.5 = Rapid
+.3 = Pioneer Capable
+.6 = 3 Major & 3 Minor
-.2 = Sensitive
0 = No
0 = 65'
+.1 = 145'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
6 = Intermediate-Tolerant
+.3 = Climax Capable
+.6 = 3 Major & 3 Minor
-.2 = Sensitive
0 = No
0 = 65'
0 = 300 years

TOTAL SCORE (7.3): Ability to grow rapidly & on wide range of soils makes Red Maple outstanding sun competitor.

TOTAL SCORE (6.7): Presence in some climax communities & occurrence on wide range of soils increase shade strength value.


   

3   Fire Strength

2   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: low (Big Tree) = 3
Bark is relatively thin but can be somewhat thicker w/ slight fire resistance with age. Roots can be moderately deep on dry sites. Tree can have a long bole. Longevity is fairly short & young trees are very vulnerable to fire but growth is rapid. Tree is susceptible to disease after wounding. "Low" value seems appropriate.
Final Value = 3

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Root systems are highly adaptable to site & provide good trunk stability on wet & dry sites. Tree only of medium height w/ proportionally thick trunk (low chance of trunk snap). Tree is highly susceptible to disease after damage. Due to apparent structural windfirmness on varying sites, but susceptibility to disease after minor damage & limited available info will assign below average rating.
Final Value = 2