Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally placed in Aceraceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmate with typically 3 to 5 lobes, featuring sharp-angled sinuses
Margin
Serrate or doubly serrate along the edges of the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the twigs
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade, prominent midribs for each lobe
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, simple 3-5 lobed leaves with serrated margins, sharp-angled sinuses between lobes, and distinctly reddish petioles.
Description
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and widespread trees in eastern North America. Known for its brilliant red autumn foliage, it features a medium to large deciduous canopy, smooth grey bark on younger trees that becomes ridged and scaly with age, small red flowers appearing in early spring before the leaves, and winged samaras (helicopter seeds) in late spring.
Habitat
Typically found in moist woods, swamps, bottomlands, and along streams, though highly adaptable to various upland sites and well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, extending from eastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.
Notes
Northern Minnesota