Red Maple Bonsai Starters

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its vibrant seasonal displays and classic leaf shape. Its foliage emerges with a reddish tint in spring, matures to green in summer, and then turns brilliant shades of mostly deep red in fall—making it a showstopper in any bonsai collection.

Although red maple is not a classic species for bonsai - it is well-loved for the depth and character of the fall color. Red maples are native to the eastern half of North America ranging from Florida all the way into Southern Canada.

With consistent pruning, the leaves reduce well and the tree develops elegant taper and branching. Over time, the bark will mature to a soft gray, adding to its visual appeal year-round.

Height – About 5–9"
Container – 3.3" nursery pot

(Mature tree image from the Pacific Bonsai Expo 2024, photo by Aaron Kupfermann. )