Can Maple Trees Grow in Florida?
According to The Trees of Florida: A Reference and Field Guide, four varieties of maple tree are native to Florida: red maple, Florida (sugar) maple, box elder maple and silver maple.
Red Maple
The red maple is a fast-growing, hardy deciduous tree native to Florida, according to the Florida Gardener. The tree has red flowers and fruit in spring, and the leaves change colors in the fall.
Florida Maple
The Florida maple is native to the Florida Panhandle and also found in isolated spots halfway down the Gulf Coast of the Florida peninsula, according to the USDA Forest Service. The Florida maple, also called the southern sugar maple, is similar to the northern sugar maple, except the Florida maple has smaller leaves, smaller samaras (fruits that contain the seeds) and more whitish bark.
Considerations
Growing conditions vary in different parts of Florida, and the growing conditions needed for different varieties of maple vary. Other types of maple trees may grow if planted and nurtured properly.
Related Articles
References
- "The Trees of Florida: A Reference and Field Guide"; Gil Nelson; 1994
- Florida Gardener: Recommended Shade Trees for Florida
- USDA Forest Service: Florida Maple
Writer Bio
Carol Wiley started writing as a technical writer/editor in 1990, was a licensed massage therapist for almost 12 years and has been writing Web content since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering, a Master of Business Administration, a Certificate in Technical Writing and Editing and a Certificate in Massage Therapy.
