Chapter 1:Red and silver maples : resource availability, utilization, and costs

Abstract

Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a medium-sized tree 15 to 20 meters (50 to 65 feet) high and 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) in diameter with a generally fairly clear trunk. This species and silver maple (Acer saccharinum) are often called “soft maples” to distinguish them from the higher density sugar and black maples that are commonly referred to as “hard maples”. Other soft maples are boxelder (Acer negundo) and big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), but they are not commonly found as commercial items in the Northeast and Lake States. Red maple is characteristic of swampy sites, but it also thrives on drier locations. In the Northeast it is found commonly with white pine and northern hardwoods on moderately moist, sandy loam soils. As a consequence, this species is one of the most abundant and widespread trees of eastern North America. Its rapid growth leads to maturity within about 80 years.

Citation

Spelter, Henry. 2005. Chapter 1:Red and silver maples : resource availability, utilization, and costs. Undervalued hardwoods for engineered materials and components. Madison, WI : Forest Products Society ; Marquette, MI : Northern Initiatives, [c2005]: pages 11-13