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Native Plant Society of Texas

Drummond Red Maple

Acer rubrum var. drummondii

Other common name(s):

Swamp Maple, Drummond Red Maple

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

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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, 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, Pollen, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Beetles, Butterflies, Birds, Small Mammals, Deer, Moths, Bees

Maintenance

Fast growth rate. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. A showy shade tree with attractive fall foliage. The fallen leaves decompose over time, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil. This process enriches the surrounding environment, supporting the growth of other plant species and wildlife. Prefers moist, swampy sites and is not as cold hardy as other maples. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms February-April. Forms a dense crown with sturdy branches. Leaves are 3- to 5-lobed, but are different from the other Maples by being hairy on the silvery lower surface of its leaves. Male and female flowers are found on separate trees. In spring the tree is covered with decorative red male flowers. Female trees produce seeds called samaras. The tree’s bark provides a habitat for a variety of organisms: beetles and spiders find refuge, creating a miniature ecosystem within the tree itself. Larval host: Sphinx Moths. Although still listed by some in the Aceraceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list it in the Sapindaceae Family.
Previous Scientific Name(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, 7) https://www.quaggadesigns.com/post/drummond-red-maple-maple-specie-explained
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