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 family, traditionally placed in Aceraceae) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Acer rubrum
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally placed in Aceraceae)
Shape
Palmate-lobed with 3 primary triangular lobes and sharply pointed tips
Size
Approximately 3.5 to 5 inches long and wide, which is typical for a mature specimen in its standard range
Margin
Serrate or sharply toothed along the margins of the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the twig with a slender petiole
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with paler, whitish-green undersides; vibrant red autumn color changes
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with distinct veins radiating from the base of the blade
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glabrous on top with a slightly paler, sometimes minutely hairy underside along the main veins
Description
A versatile and adaptable deciduous tree featuring attractive green summer foliage that transforms into brilliant red and orange autumn displays. It produces small red flowers in early spring and winged samaras later in the season
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3-lobed (occasionally 5-lobed) leaves with sharply toothed margins, and red twigs or leaf stalks in many varieties
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats from swamps and bottomlands to dry ridges, thriving in moist, slightly acidic soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down to Florida and Texas
Condition Notes
Good overall health with minor natural blemishes and a healthy green summer pigmentation
Interesting Facts
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and geographically widespread trees in eastern North America, highly valued for its exceptional ornamental autumn color and ability to hybridize easily with silver maple
Medicinal & Uses
Native Americans used infusions of the inner bark to treat chronic coughs and eye ailments. Widely planted as a shade tree in urban landscaping and used occasionally for timber
Ecological Role
Provides crucial browse for white-tailed deer, rabbits, and livestock. Offers nesting sites and food for numerous songbirds, small mammals, and insects
Similar Species
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). Silver maple has deeper sinuses and silvery-white undersides, while sugar maple has 5 lobes with entire or fewer teeth and U-shaped sinuses
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching patterns, 3-lobed leaves with jagged teeth, and smooth grey bark on younger trees, typically found near water sources or mixed hardwood forests
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, but wilted or dried red maple leaves are extremely toxic to horses, causing severe hemolytic anemia