Acer rubrum is a tree that is found growing from Canada to Florida. The material is used for bonsai relatively infrequently due its large leaves and long internodes.

This tree was collected in 1991 in northern Michigan and was reduced from a 12 foot tall tree to about 15". No branches were usable and the tree was just a stump, surface roots and a small root ball.

In a container, it grows slowly and has been reluctant to ramify. It has been defoliated several times and this has produced smaller leaves, back-budding and more ramification.

My main reason for growing it is the spectacular fall color. The picture shows the tree in its splendor. Unfortunately, it only develops good color every 3 or 4 years.

The tree is 22 inches tall and 4 inches in trunk diameter.