Wildflower or butterfly garden.

In January the tree bears tiny red flowers followed by conspicuous, bright-red, winged samaras,or keys, which remain on trees for several weeks, serving as indicators of spring. Florida-grown stock does not need cold temperatures to stimulate flowering, but out-of-state stock does, and should be avoided. Red maple has the greatest south-north range of tree species in eastern North America. Shade or fall color tree for moist areas. Rain gardens or bioswales

Wildflower garden or meadow..

Moist wildflower meadows.

This is a rare plant. Please acquire from a reputable nursery. It is close kin to an invasive exotic (S. frutescens)from Australia -- be sure you are planting the native. If present in the landscape, retain. Use as a shrub in coastal areas where it can make a nice screen, form a hedge, or be a foundation plant. Also appropriate for dune stabilization.