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: Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae (Maple family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Acer rubrum
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Sapindaceae (Maple family)
Shape
Palmate with typically 3 to 5 triangular lobes
Size
Approximately 3.5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, which falls comfortably within the typical adult size range of 2 to 4 inches
Margin
Coarsely serrate (toothed) with shallow, acute sinuses between the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to dark green upper surface with a lighter, slightly whitish-green lower surface; features a prominent reddish petiole; displays brilliant crimson red to orange coloration during autumn senescence
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with multiple primary veins radiating outward from the base of the leaf blade
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) on the upper surface with a slightly paler, sometimes minutely hairy underside along the major veins
Description
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and widespread trees in eastern North America, renowned for its brilliant seasonal color changes. The tree features smooth gray bark on young trunks becoming flaky and furrowed with age, small reddish clusters of flowers in early spring before leaves emerge, and paired winged seeds known as samaras. This specimen is a classic, healthy three-lobed leaf demonstrating the characteristic red stem of the species.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3 to 5 lobed leaves with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and distinctly reddish petioles (leaf stalks)
Habitat
Thrives in a wide variety of moist soils, frequently found in bottomlands, swamps, and along stream banks, though highly adaptable to upland conditions and urban soils
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to Florida and stretching west to Texas
Condition Notes
The leaf is in excellent overall condition, appearing fresh, healthy, and vibrant with no apparent signs of pest damage, disease, chlorosis, or necrotic spots
Interesting Facts
The Red Maple is named for its red flowers, red fruit, red leaf stalks, and brilliant red autumn foliage. It is one of the most ecologically diverse trees, able to hybridize naturally with silver maple to produce the Freeman maple.
Medicinal & Uses
Indigenous peoples used red maple bark infusions as an eyewash and to treat various ailments including coughs and hives. The wood is utilized for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, and the tree is a popular ornamental choice in landscaping due to its hardiness and vivid fall color
Ecological Role
Serves as an essential food source for white-tailed deer, rabbits, and beavers that browse the twigs and foliage. Provides nesting sites for numerous bird species and nectar for early-emerging pollinators in spring
Similar Species
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). Silver maples have much deeper sinuses and silvery-white undersides, while sugar maples have U-shaped sinuses and lack the reddish petioles typical of red maples
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching patterns on the tree and reddish leaf stems. Autumn is the easiest time to spot them due to their bright red canopy, but they can be identified year-round by their twig and bud characteristics in wooded or wetland areas
Toxicity Warning
While safe for humans and many wildlife species, red maple leaves are known to be highly toxic to horses when ingested, causing severe hemolytic anemia