Red Maple -(Acer rubrum)
Red Maple -(Acer rubrum)
First to bloom. Last to be forgotten.
Acer rubrum, the Red Maple, announces spring before nearly any other tree. While the landscape is still gray, its branches flush with tiny crimson flowers weeks before leaves emerge, casting a red haze across the canopy. By fall, it transforms again into one of the most brilliant displays of orange, scarlet, and crimson in the eastern forest. Fast-growing, cold-hardy, and incredibly adaptable, this is one of the most widely planted and loved native trees in North America.
- Among the first trees to bloom in late winter
- Exceptional fall color in red, orange, and scarlet
- Thrives in both wet and dry conditions
- Fast-growing and widely adapted native species
- High wildlife value for birds and small mammals
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It dominates eastern forests.
Red Maple is the most abundant tree species in eastern North America, thriving across an enormous range of climates and soil conditions.
Its seeds are engineered to fly.
The winged samaras spin as they fall, slowing descent and allowing seeds to travel away from the parent tree to colonize new ground.
It was tapped long before sugar maple became famous.
Indigenous communities harvested Red Maple sap for syrup for centuries. It produces a lighter, milder syrup than sugar maple.
It tolerates standing water.
Red Maple is one of the few hardwoods that can thrive in seasonally flooded soils, often growing along rivers, wetlands, and pond edges.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Acer rubrum
- Stratification: Not required; sow fresh after spring seed drop
- USDA Zones: 3–9
- Soil: Extremely adaptable; prefers slightly acidic conditions
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 40–70 feet
- Spread: 30–50 feet
- Growth Rate: Fast (1.5–3 ft/year)
Plant one and mark it well. In twenty years it will be the tree your neighbors ask about.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
