10 Exquisite Trees with Red Leaves

✅ Japanese Maple, Red Maple, Red Oak, Red Beech, Red Dogwood, ‘Red Silver’ Flowering Crabapple, Purple Leaf Plum Tree, ‘Grace’ Smokebush, Black Gum and European Beech are trees with red leaves.
✅ These trees offer shade, food and shelter to wildlife, as well as medicinal properties.
✅ They need full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
✅ They should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring, and pruned as needed in late winter or early spring.
✅ They should be watered regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, they don’t require much supplemental water.

Key Facts

Species	Brief Description	Ease of Growing
Japanese Maple	Deciduous tree with fan-shaped foliage	Easy
Red Maple	Year-round beauty	Easy
Red Oak	Vibrant red leaves	Moderate
Red Beech	Vibrant autumn colors	Easy
Red Dogwood	White flowers, red berries	Easy
‘Red Silver’ Flowering Crabapple	Vibrant reddish-pink blooms	Easy
Purple Leaf Plum Tree	Purple leaves, fragrant white flowers	Easy
‘Grace’ Smokebush	Deep purple foliage, pinkish-white flowers	Easy
Black Gum	Attractive foliage, stunning fall color	Moderate
European Beech	Purple-bronze foliage, upright form	Easy

Hello! I’m Emily, a passionate gardener and nature enthusiast. Trees with red leaves add a captivating beauty to the garden, and they are important to the environment. In this article, I will be exploring 10 different species of trees with red leaves, their ecological importance and how to care for them. Read on to learn more!

Introduction

Searching for something special to spice up your garden? Look no further! Check out these eye-catching trees with red leaves! They come in a range of sizes – from small bushes to tall trees. Our list can help you turn your outdoor space into a magical autumnal paradise. Don’t miss out – transform your garden today!

Importance of Trees in the Environment

Trees are very important for the environment. Their roots hold the soil, stopping runoff and getting the water back into the ground. They help reduce erosion and keep energy. Trees give food and shelter to birds and other animals. They also stop rainfall from hitting the ground hard, stopping floods. Trees take carbon dioxide from the air, helping with global warming. Humans use trees for food, fuel, and timber.

Trees even help people’s mental well-being. Red leaves look beautiful against the green trees in autumn.

1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It can reach up to 25 feet tall. It’s admired for its delicate, fan-shaped foliage that turns a blazing red color in autumn. Its small size makes it great for residential landscapes, accent tree plantings, and container gardening. A few cultivars have been developed with yellow, green, or orange leaves year-round.

Common varieties include the Red Spider Japanese Maple ‘Kiyohime’ and the Red Weeping Japanese Maple ‘Atropurpureum’ with feathery flower clusters and laciniated leaves.

Hardiness: Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Light exposure: It grows best in partial shade, but can tolerate full sun or deep shade.
Size: It can reach up to 25 feet tall.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: This tree does not require much feeding, but it should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish a deep, extensive root system; after that, only water during periods of drought.

2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is renowned for its year-round beauty. In spring, small, bright red flowers emerge before the leaves appear. As summer arrives and temperatures rise, the leaves turn a deep green. By fall, they deepen to a beautiful red shade. These vibrant red leaves make this tree stand out in any background.

Red maple needs humid conditions and lots of sun. It should be planted in moist soil, away from strong winds. Pruning must be done carefully and infrequently, as it can lead to damage or injury. With proper care and environment, Red Maple can bring dazzling autumn colors into your garden for years!

Hardiness: Red Maple is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 70 feet tall.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

3. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Behold the Red Oak (Quercus rubra)! Its leaves come in shades from dark burgundy to bright red and even coppery orange. Close up, you can see that its leaves have a unique “V” serration at the end. It can reach up to 80 feet tall! Small acorns attract wildlife like birds and squirrels.

Red Oak prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s perfect for landscapes or parks because of its beautiful coloration and unique leaf shape.

Hardiness: Red Oak is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 80 feet tall.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

4. Red Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Red Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is an incredible deciduous tree native to central and southern Europe. It’s perfect for parks and large gardens. In spring, the foliage begins as a reddish-purple color. By summer, it’s a deep green. When autumn comes, the foliage is vibrant – yellow, orange, red, and bronze. Wintertime sees the foliage drop off.

Red Beech loves moist but well-drained soils. It can reach 54 feet tall with a 33-foot spread. Its dense structure makes it great for windbreaks and screens.

Hardiness: Red Beech is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 54 feet tall with a 33-foot spread.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

5. Red Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Red Dogwood is a familiar tree found in many North American gardens and yards. It can grow up to 25 feet tall with branches that stretch out.

In the spring, it displays white flowers and fall brings bright red berries. Its smooth bark is usually gray, and it sheds strips with age.

When the autumn weather arrives, the foliage quickly changes to a gorgeous purplish or deep reddish-purple. Some varieties even keep their red leaves until winter comes! This makes the Red Dogwood a great choice for adding texture and color during all seasons.

Hardiness: Red Dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 25 feet tall.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

6. ‘Red Silver’ Flowering Crabapple (Malus Hybrida)

This small deciduous tree is noted for its vibrant reddish-pink blooms, which adorn its branches for weeks in spring. In autumn, the foliage changes to a yellowish-orange hue before dropping off. The ‘Red Silver’ Flowering Crabapple looks great when planted near a pond or other water feature as it adds color and texture all year long!

Hardiness: The ‘Red Silver’ Flowering Crabapple is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 15 feet tall with an 18 foot spread.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

7. Purple Leaf Plum Tree (Prunus Cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’)

The Purple Leaf Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’) is a small, deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia. It’s admired for its purple leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. The foliage turns reddish-purple in autumn before dropping off.

This small tree is ideal for residential gardens or parks as it adds color and texture all year round!

Hardiness: The Purple Leaf Plum Tree is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 20 feet tall with a 25 foot spread.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

8. ‘Grace’ Smokebush (Cotinus Coggygria ‘Grace’)

‘Grace’ Smokebush (Cotinus Coggygria ‘Grace’)

The ‘Grace’ Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’) is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 15 feet tall. Its unique foliage starts off as deep purple before turning a gorgeous red in autumn. In late summer, this tree produces clusters of tiny pinkish-white flowers that give off a smoky fragrance when touched!

Hardiness: The ‘Grace’ Smokebush is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 15 feet tall with an 18 foot spread.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

9. Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica)

Black Gum is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It’s known for its attractive foliage and stunning fall color. In spring, the leaves are a deep green with yellow highlights. By autumn, they turn a beautiful red-purple hue. The Black Gum has small, dark fruits that attract birds in late summer and early fall.

Hardiness: The Black Gum is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 80 feet tall with an 18 foot spread.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

10. European Beech (Fagus Sylvatica ‘Purpurea’)

European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’) is an impressive deciduous tree native to Europe. It’s known for its striking purple-bronze foliage and upright form. In autumn, the leaves turn a deep red color. This makes it a great choice for adding texture and contrast to your garden or landscape!

Hardiness: European Beech is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Light exposure: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Size: It can reach up to 60 feet tall with a 25 foot spread.
Soil requirements: This tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer every spring.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every year during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune dead branches as needed in late winter or early spring.
Watering: Water regularly during periods of drought; otherwise, it doesn’t require much supplemental water.

Ecological Importance

Trees with red leaves bring a special beauty to the world. From tropical to temperate zones, these trees are important for the environment. They offer shade for wildlife like birds, lizards and small mammals. Furthermore, their leaves provide food in the winter and slow down rainwater runoff.

These trees also give us berries that help sustain food webs. They also create space for animals to move from one location to another. Some species have medicinal properties too.

In conclusion, trees with red leaves support biodiversity, help soil health and offer shelter and nutrition for wildlife.

Aesthetic Importance

The red leaves of trees bring a splash of nostalgia and beauty to any landscape. Cultures have found delight in these vibrant colors for centuries, immortalizing them in paintings, sculptures and literature.

Breathtaking views of red-leaf trees bring us closer to nature and make us appreciate the beauty around us. Whether it’s a maple in fall or elderberry in wintertime, these hues will always be admired for their complexity and vibrancy.

Cultural Significance

Trees with red leaves can be significant to various cultures. For example, in Japan, the Japanese Maple is known for its scarlet leaves and is a symbol of peace. In China, the redbud tree is a symbol of joy, good luck, and new beginnings.

In Greek mythology, Eteocles was killed by his brother during the War of Thebes. Athena then changed him into a red-leaved oak tree for protection. Estonian folklore says the lime tree was sacred and known as “the old lady of the forest” because of its spreading canopy with autumnal red leaves.

Native American nations saw trees, especially those that turn colors in autumn, as spiritually meaningful. The cypress tree was especially important to some tribes as it decorated their land with its beauty at dusk in fall. Red maple trees were also considered sacred by certain Indigenous peoples, as the changing of seasons gave vibrancy to their lives each year.