Species of Maple

Family of Maples
SpeciesSizeBasic Requirements
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)At 20 years 20’ high and 12’ wide. Mature height 60 to 75’ with a spread 25 to 35’. Native to North America; fast grower at 12 to 15 inches a year; red, orange or yellow fall colorZones 4 through 8 (9), full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil as long as it is kept moist.
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)At 20 years height is 10’ and spread is 8’. Mature height is 20 to 30’ with a spread 20 to 25’. Not a native; medium growth rate at 10 to 12 inches per year; brilliant red fall foliage; can be used in containers and plantersZones 3 through 7 (8), full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil as long as it is kept moist.
Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)At 20 years height is 10’ and spread is 5’. Mature height 15 to 25’ with a spread 15 to 25’. Not native; slow grower at 4 to 6 inches per year; vibrant, scarlet, autumn foliage; can be used in containers and plantersZones 4 through 6 (7), full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil as long as it is kept moist.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)At 20 years height is 25’ with spread of 15’. Mature height 50 to 80’ with a spread 35 to 50’. Native to North America; medium grower at 10 to 15 inches per year; clear yellow to golden orange to orangish red fall colorZones 3 through 8A, full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil as long as it is kept moist. Definitely does not like dry soil.
Hedge Maple (Acer campestre)Mature height 30 to 35’ with a spread 30 to 35’. Not native; slow growth rate; bright yellow fall color; can be used in containers or plantersZones (4) 5 through 8A, full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil as long as it is kept moist.
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)At 20 years height is 30’ with a spread of 15’. Mature height 60 to 80’ with a spread 40 to 60’. Native to North America; particularly fast grower at 12 to 20 inches per year; clear yellow in fall colors Native to NorthZones 3 to 9 , full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil and can handle dryer soils than the other maples.
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)At 20 years height is 20’ with a spread of 15’. Mature height 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 35 to 40 feet. Not a native; medium at 10 to 15 inches per year; brilliant yellow fall colorZones 4 through 7A, full sun but tolerates part shade, moist acidic soils, but tolerates most any soil as long as it is kept moist.

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