Eastern Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Dimensions:
Height: 40’ - 80’
Mature spread: 40’
Trunk Diameter: 1’ - 2.5’
Habitat and Range:
tolerates a wide range of soils
common in all sections of Kentucky, except Inner Bluegrass
Features:
most abundant native tree in North America
well-named as some part is red in every season
produces winged helicopter-like seeds
one of the earliest to flower in spring
host plant for 300 caterpillars
the species is polygamo-dioecious; some trees have entirely male flowers; some have entirely female; and some bear both male and female flowers
whole tree can switch from male to female
contributes to high pollen count
prized by musical instrument makers
bark is easily damaged
History:
Native Americans used the bark for inflamed eyes and cataracts
Pioneers used the bark for black dye and ink
