El Acer it is a species of deciduous tree that we can grow in the warmer temperate regions; that is, in areas where the four seasons are very well differentiated, but where the maximum temperatures can be quite high and the minimum temperatures not too low.
It is a plant that remains green for much of the year, but in autumn it changes to a spectacular red color that, without a doubt, beautifies the place where it is growing.
What is the origin and characteristics of the Acer?
The red maple, as it is known in popular language, is a tree that grows naturally from Canada to Mexico. It grows around 20 and 30 meters, although in habitat it can reach 40 meters. Their life expectancy is 100-200 years, provided the right conditions are met.
Its leaves are palmate, green, and have 3-5 lobes with irregularly toothed margins.. They measure about 5 to 10 centimeters, and are opposite. With the fall in temperatures in autumn, they turn reddish before falling.
The flowers are male or female, and may appear on separate specimens when the trees are young, or on the same one in late winter or early spring. The former are composed of 5 petals and sepals that appear in groups; and the second ones are just yellow stamens.
The fruit is a disamara (double samara) reddish, brownish or yellow, measuring between 15 and 25 millimeters long. Ripens in late spring or early summer.
What uses is it given?
The red maple is a splendid tree to plant in a garden. Not only because it gets beautiful in the fall, but also because of the shade it provides. In addition, you will be able to plant other plants under it, since you will not have problems with its roots (which would happen if you wanted to plant something under a fig, pine or eucalyptus tree).
Numerous cultivars have been created, such as:
- october glory
- Red Sunset
- fireburst
- Florida Flame
- Gulf Ember
These last three are especially interesting for warm-temperate climates, since they better withstand heat.
However, apart from being used as an ornamental, it is also one of the maples whose sap is extracted to produce maple syrup, although they say that it tastes less sweet than that of the maple. Acer.
What care should be given to Acer?
The red maple adapts to a wide range of conditions, being able to grow in climates with strong or light frosts, and with mild temperatures throughout the year. Even tolerates a wide variety of soils, although in alkaline soils it is common to have chlorosis due to lack of iron.
But what you do need is be planted outside, since it would not survive long inside the house. Also, due to its size, it is not a good idea to always grow it in a pot, unless it is used as a bonsai.
If we talk about irrigation, it is highly recommended to water it more or less frequently in summer, especially if it is especially hot and dry. It should also be fertilized in spring and summer, with any fertilizer of organic origin, such as compost.
The roots, as we have mentioned before, are not very invasive. Now, that does not mean that it can be planted a few centimeters from the wall. In order for it to grow properly, I do not advise planting it less than 5 meters from other trees or pipes.
It resists temperatures down to -18ºC.