Red Maple, Drummond's maple, Swamp Maple

Acer rubrum

Basic Information

Family: Aceraceae

Genus: acer

Plant ID (slug): acer-rubrum

Numeric ID: 21155

USDA Hardiness: 4-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Acer rubrum is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Texas, Minnesota and Ontario.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Sap Seed Edible Uses: Sweetener The sap contains sugar and this can be used as a drink or be concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water[2, 11, 74, 159]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. This species only yields about half the quantity obtained from the sugar maple (A. saccharum)[4]. It makes a good maple syrup although the yield is comparatively small[183]. It can be harvested in late winter, the flow is best on warm sunny days following a frost. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates. Inner bark - cooked[105, 177]. It is dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[161]. Self-sown seedlings, gathered in early spring, are eaten fresh or dried for later use[213]. Seeds - cooked. The wings are removed and the seeds boiled then eaten hot[213]. The seed is very small, about 5mm long, and is produced in small clusters[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Astringent Dysentery Ophthalmic The bark has astringent properties and has been used as an application for sore eyes[4]. The inner bark was used according to one report[257]. An infusion of the bark has been used to treat cramps and dysentery[257].