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-lobed with typically 3 to 5 triangular lobes
Margin
Serrate or sharply toothed along the edges of the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the twig
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, palmate lobes with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and distinctly reddish petioles
Description
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and ecologically widespread deciduous trees in eastern North America. Recognized for its brilliant red autumn foliage, smooth grey bark on young trees, and deeply furrowed bark on older specimens, it produces small red flowers in early spring followed by winged samaras (helicopter seeds).
Habitat
Found in a remarkably diverse range of habitats from swamps and wet floodplains to dry ridges, thriving in moist, acidic soils but highly adaptable
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota