Acer rubrum – Red Maple

Perhaps the most common tree in the Catskills, Red Maple thrives in moist almost soggy conditions and drier upland sites and just about everything in between. Add in some of the best Fall foliage color, ranging from yellows to oranges to the reds the tree is named for, and fast growth, and you have a desirable tree for the home landscape. Red Maple may also have obtained its name from the red flowers that profusely adorn its branches in Spring, and help distinguish it from the very similar Silver Maple, and its more silver-colored flowers with a tinge of red. The tree does have two drawbacks. First, its extensive shallow root system creates dry shade for plants growing underneath, making it a challenge to garden under its canopy. Second, it produces copious amounts of seed, creating a gardening chore to remove unwanted seedlings. If you are looking to create a landscape with a diverse understory, other shades trees like Oaks may be a better choice. Just as a shade tree, though, Red Maple is hard to beat.