Red Maple (also known as Swamp Maple, Water Maple, or Soft Maple)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: A. rubrum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Acer rubrum
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
Shape
Palmate lobed shape with typically 3 to 5 triangular lobes
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches in length, which is within the typical adult range of 2 to 6 inches
Margin
Coarsely serrate or toothed margins along the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the twig
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a paler, sometimes whitish or glaucous lower surface, featuring a distinct reddish petiole (leaf stalk)
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with major veins radiating outwards from the base of the leaf blade
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glabrous upper surface with a slightly paler, sometimes finely hairy lower surface along the major veins
Description
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and widespread deciduous trees in eastern North America. Renowned for its brilliant scarlet autumn foliage, it features a rounded or oval crown, smooth grey bark on younger trees that darkens and develops scaly ridges with age, and distinctive reddish twigs and leaf stems. It produces small red flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by winged samaras.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3 to 5 lobed leaves with serrated margins, prominent reddish petioles, and V-shaped angle between the maturing samara wings
Habitat
Versatile habitat ranging from wet swampy soils and floodplains to dry upland ridges, though it strongly prefers moist, slightly acidic soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota
Condition Notes
The pressed leaf specimen appears to be in good, healthy condition with vibrant green coloration preserved well and no significant signs of disease or pest damage
Interesting Facts
Red Maple is named for its red flowers, red fruit, red petioles, and brilliant red autumn leaves. It is also one of the most geographically adaptable trees in North America, tolerating a wide variety of soil moisture levels.
Medicinal & Uses
Indigenous peoples used Red Maple bark infusions as a wash for sore eyes and as a remedy for hives and muscular aches. The wood is used for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring, and the tree is extensively planted as an ornamental shade tree
Ecological Role
Provides crucial browse for white-tailed deer, rabbits, and beavers. The seeds are eaten by squirrels and various birds, and the early spring flowers are an important nectar source for newly emerged pollinators
Similar Species
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) which has deeper, sharper sinuses and a much paler, silvery-white underside, and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) which has U-shaped sinuses and smoother margin edges
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching patterns and reddish leaf stems in deciduous or mixed forests, particularly near water sources or damp lowlands during spring and summer for vibrant green leaves
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, but wilted or dried Red Maple leaves are highly toxic to horses, causing severe oxidative damage to red blood cells