Habitat:
This species grows equally well on dry upland sites and along swamp
borders, and often invades recently cleared areas. The best growth
is achieved on moist, acid soils. Due to manganese deficiency, chlorosis
will occur on alkaline soils. Although it is tolerant of ozone and moderately
tolerant of sulfur dioxide, the red maple will not tolerate heavily polluted
areas.
Diseases: It is susceptible to leaf scorch in dry weather and to Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that has caused the death of many maples over the last 50 years.
Distribution: The red maple is an important constituent of the forests of the eastern US. It is found from Quebec, south to Florida, west to eastern Texas, and north to Minnesota and southern Ontario. It can be grown in Iowa, but gardeners need to consult nurseries on the most suitable cultivars for a particular area.
