Red maple and Sycamore maple are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Acer rubrum 6 m × 4 m after 10 years
A medium-sized shade tree with a dense crown, grown for its fiery orange-red autumn foliage; in early spring small red flowers cover the bare twigs.…
Acer pseudoplatanus 8 m × 5 m after 10 years
Sycamore maple is a huge, fast-growing shade tree with a dense crown that is happiest in a cooler, more humid spot with fresh soil, and its spring…
Red maple is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Sycamore maple.
Red maple tolerates drought better than Sycamore maple.
Red maple needs less care than Sycamore maple.
Red maple is cheaper: about €220 at the size usually planted, against about €660 for Sycamore maple.
|
Feature
|
Red maple
|
Sycamore maple
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4 m | 8 m × 5 m |
| Ultimate size | 12–25 m × 9–15 m | 20–35 m × 12–25 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, red | April–June, green, yellow |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 800 cm | 1000 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic | no data |
| For cats | Non-toxic | no data |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €220 | approx. €660 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details