Red Maple (Swamp Maple, Soft Maple)
Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmate-lobed, typically with 3 to 5 triangular lobes
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed)
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with three primary prominent veins radiating from the base, featuring a clear reticulate network.
Key Features
Opposite simple leaves with 3 to 5 distinct lobes, V-shaped sinuses between the lobes, coarsely serrated margins, and a reddish petiole.
Description
Acer rubrum is a medium to large deciduous tree recognized for its stunning scarlet autumn foliage, smooth grey bark on young trees becoming ridged with age, and small red clusters of flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge.
Habitat
Widely adaptable, commonly found in both wet swampy bottomlands and dry upland forests, thriving in acidic, moist soils under full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down through Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.
Notes
Northern Minnesota