Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Acer Rubrum

Size:

60' tall

Leaves:

opposite, simple, 2"-4" long and wide, with 3 or 5 shallow pointed lobes, coarsely toothed; indentations between lobes V-shaped or L-shaped

Flowers:

small but adding a distinctive red color to the landscape in early spring before leaves emerge

Fruit:

winged nutlets in pairs

Fall Interest:

variable (reason for cultivars) but excellent, typically red, turning early in fall; deciduous

Culture:

sun; tolerant of soil type, but not well-suited for dry sites; fast-growing; thin bark especially on young trees prone to sunscald damage and bark splitting and should be protected with trunk guard for first several years

Disease/Insect:

Use:

shade tree, street tree; not valuable as lumber

Cultivars:

'October Glory,' 'Red Sunset,' 'Autumn Flame'

Notes:

bark dark gray and smooth on young trees, breaking into long narrow plates with age; has clear sap; early bloom valuable to bees; native to Arkansas