Quick answer: Red maple (Acer rubrum) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, slightly acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Apr |
| Height | 40-60 ft, up to 100 ft |
| Wildlife value | Browsed by deer and moose, supports birds/squirrels, larval host for Rosy Maple Moth, special value to native and honey bees |
Leaves and bark poisonous to livestock
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Red maple
Where is Red maple native?
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is native to 33 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Red maple bloom?
Red maple blooms Mar-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Red maple need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Moist, slightly acidic soils. Mature height: 40-60 ft, up to 100 ft.
Is Red maple good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Browsed by deer and moose, supports birds/squirrels, larval host for Rosy Maple Moth, special value to native and honey bees.
Is Red maple toxic?
Leaves and bark poisonous to livestock.
Where can I buy real Red maple seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Acer rubrum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Red maple.
- American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- White oak Quercus alba
- Pagoda dogwood Cornus alternifolia
Also listed under
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