Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum is a tree native to a wide range throughout the southeast. It grows in a wide array of conditions- from full sun to part shade, and wet to dry soils. It is drought tolerant. It produces drooping clusters of red flowers in the early spring that are attractive to pollinators. The fruits produced later in the spring are eaten by birds. This is also a host plant for a few native butterfly species. Acer rubrum has beautiful red and yellow fall foliage. The leaves are the classic maple leaf shape. It is a great specimen tree in a yard or on a street, and works well for restoration projects and erosion control.