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Drummond Red Maple

Acer rubrum var. drummondii

Other common name(s):

Swamp Maple, Drummond Red Maple

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

50
to
90
ft.

Spread

30
to
60
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Acid, Calcareous, Poor Drainage, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fall Color, Seeds, Forage, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals, Deer, Moths

Maintenance

Prune for shape or to raise canopy. Requires water and is not as cold hardy as other maples. Propagation: Seed.

Comments

A showy shade tree, it has attractive fall foliage. In spring, it is covered with decorative red male flowers & female samaras (seeds). Drummond’s Red Maple has a leathery upper surface on its leaves, and a lighter lower surface. It differs from the other varieties by being pubescent (“hairy”) on the silvery lower surface of its leaves. Not drought tolerant. Grows in moist, open woodlands and swamps. Attracts a variety of moths and other insects. Provides browse for deer, seeds for birds and small mammals. Larval host for Sphinx Moths.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Synonym/s: Acer drummondii, Acer rubrum ssp. drummondii, Rufacer drummondii

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACRUD. 3) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=30529&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 4) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 331. 5) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=526853#null

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Contact a local Chapter

State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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