Native Plant Spotlight | Red Maple

Native to Riverwoods, Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a medium size deciduous tree with either an irregular oval or rounded crown. It's named for its red flowers, red fruit, red twigs and brilliant red leaves that come in the fall. Although, the leaves of a Red Maple can also turn orange and yellow in the fall. It's sap can be used to make maple syrup.

• Ornamental Value: red flowers bloom March to April before leaves appear. The fruit, winged nuts, develop from April to June and are often called helicopters or whirlybirds. In the autumn the leaves usually turn red, but may also turn yellow and orange. The Red Maple makes a great shade tree for a yard.
• Growing Conditions: very adaptable and can grow in full sun to light shade in wet to dry conditions, although moist well drained soil is preferred. 
• Mature Size: 40 to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter up to 3 feet. 

Native Tree & Shrub Planting Cost-Share Program

To help restore the ecological health of our woodlands, residents are encouraged to plant native trees, shrubs, flowers and other plant species.  You might qualify for a Native Tree & Shrub Planting cost-share program, with the Village covering half of the cost of the plants and the planting. 

Your property may qualify for one or more of the Village's Cost-Share programs, which can not only help restore the ecological health of Riverwoods, but can also improve your property's ornamental landscape and real estate value. To see which cost-share programs your property qualifies for, request an Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist.