The fruit is a v-shaped samara (winged seed). The twigs are shiny red with numerous small lenticels. The leaves are arranged opposite on the twigs. They are broadly ovate with 3 shallow short-pointed lobes turning red, orange, and yellow in the autumn. The lobes sinuses are sharp, with toothed margins. Seed Stratification: No stratification period is needed. Site requirements vary with the species of maple. Site Requirements: Maple trees perform best in moist, well-drained soils. Height: Mature height varies with species. Tree canopies may be very dense or wide spreading. Common names: Sugar Maple, Northern Sugar Maple, Striped Maple, Rock Maple, Hard Maple, Sweet Maple. Mature Shape: Maples typically have a large, rounded crown. Habitat: Grows on dry open woods, rocky bluffs and pastures. Slower growing Maples have heavier, harder wood, making them less susceptible to branch and limb drop. Silver Maple Tree - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University. Maples that are fast growing tend to have weak wood and may suffer from wind and ice damage. When selecting a maple tree, be sure to select a species suited for Iowa's weather. Most fall into zones 4 through 8, but some are less tolerant of cold or heat than others. Gorgeous Iowa landscapes are usually a mixture of different types of hardy shade trees and flowering trees that grow well in the Hawkeye State, as well as evergreen and fruit trees.
Red Maple - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University It consists of a dark brown, silty clay loam and is found hovering around 825,000 acres in 26 counties of east-central and eastern Iowa.
Habitat: Grows on wooded bluffs in extreme northeast Iowa. It is fast growing and grows to a height of 50 to 70 feet tall. The red maple ( Acer rubrum) grows well on a wide range of soil types.