Family: Aceraceae
Acer rubrum, or red maple, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Growing 40–100 feet tall, it is highly adaptable to many soils, climates, and moisture conditions, and is valued for its fast growth and vibrant fall colors ranging from yellow and orange to brilliant red. Its tolerance for a wide range of habitats has made it one of the most widespread trees in its native range, commonly used as an ornamental or shade tree.
However, red maple carries several risks. It is an aggressive colonizer that readily establishes in disturbed or successional sites, aided by heavy seed production, a persistent seed bank, and the ability to resprout. While it does not form dense thickets or permanently exclude other vegetation, it can temporarily dominate early growth stages. The species is also known to be toxic to livestock—particularly cattle and horses—when leaves are consumed in summer or autumn. In addition, its foliage is prone to damage from air pollution, which may limit its performance in some environments. These traits highlight both the resilience and potential concerns of planting red maple outside its native range.
High Risk Traits:
- Produces large numbers of wind-dispersed seeds (samaras).
- Forms a persistent seed bank (seeds can remain viable for more than one year).
- Highly adaptable to many soil types, moisture levels, and climates.
- Shade tolerant, allowing establishment in forest understories.
- Capable of regenerating from sprouts after cutting or damage.
- Aggressive colonizer of disturbed or successional sites.
- Toxic to horses and related animals if wilted or dried leaves are ingested.
Low Risk Traits:
- Not documented to form dense thickets or exclude other vegetation long-term.
- Primarily valued as an ornamental or shade tree, not an aggressive invader in cultivation.
- No reports of allelopathy or toxicity to people.
