Red Maple vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Aceraceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Red Maple (Zones 3-9)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Red Maple	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Acer rubrum	Sedum spp.
Family	Aceraceae	Crassulaceae
Category	trees	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Adaptable	Well-drained, Poor
Height	70'	6"
Spread	40'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Red	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Red Maple

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Red MapleProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Red Maple grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Red Maple or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Red Maple spreads 40' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Red Maple or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Red Maple	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Acer rubrum	Sedum spp.
Family	Aceraceae	Crassulaceae
Category	trees	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Adaptable	Well-drained, Poor
Height	70'	6"
Spread	40'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Red	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Red Maple grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Red Maple or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Red Maple spreads 40' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Red Maple or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Red Maple and Sedum (Stonecrop) have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.