Acer rubrum
Linnaeus
Red Maple

Acer rubrum, Red Maple, courtesy of John Campbell copyright.

This deciduous tree is hardy in Zones: 3-9. Growth is moderate to rapid in a variety of soils and shade is tolerated. Trees grow to heights of 40 to 60 feet.

Leaves are simple and opposite with three to five lobes. Small red flowers in dense clusters appear from late winter to early spring.

I use this tree on Prince Edward Island for Antheraea polyphemus and Dryocampa rubicunda.

Stephen E. Stone reports it as a tree also suitable for Actias luna, Anisota oslari, Automeris io, Eacles imperialis and Hyalophora cecropia. I have found cecropia cocoons attached to red maple trunks on P.E.I., but the larvae may have wandered from other nearby more suitable hosts.

The Natural History Museum reports Acer rubrum as a host for the following species:

Catocala cerogama
Actias luna
Anisota oslari
Antheraea polyphemus
Automeris io
Dryocampa rubicunda
Eacles imperialis
Hemileuca nevadensis
Hyalophora cecropia

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