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); formerly Aceraceae. · Simple; Deciduous.
Species
Acer rubrum (Confidence: High)
Leaf Type
Simple; Deciduous.
Family
Sapindaceae (Maple family); formerly Aceraceae.
Shape
Palmately lobed with 3 primary lobes (sometimes 5). The lobes have shallow, narrow sinuses (V-shaped notches).
Size
Approximately 3.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. Typical species range is 2–6 inches in both length and width.
Margin
Irregularly serrate (toothed) along the entire margin including the lobes.
Arrangement
Opposite (though not visible on this detached specimen, this is a defining trait of the genus). The petiole is long and often turns red.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most abundant and widespread deciduous trees in eastern North America.
Color & Pattern
Medium green upper surface with lighter, silvery-green underside. This specimen shows chlorosis (yellowing between veins) and small necrotic (brown) spots, likely from environmental stress or fungal leaf spot.
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation; three main veins radiate from the base of the leaf blade into the primary lobes.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) on top; the underside is often slightly glaucous (waxy/whitish) and can have fine hairs along the veins.
Description
A medium-to-large sized tree reaching 60-90 feet. Known for its brilliant scarlet autumn foliage. Bark is smooth and light gray on young trees, becoming shaggy and dark gray with age. Produces small red flowers in early spring before leaves emerge.
Key Features
Opposite branching, V-shaped crotches between lobes, serrated margins, and the silvery underside of the leaf which 'shimmers' in the wind.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous forests, swamps, and moist uplands. Prefers acidic, moist soils but survives in dry urban environments.
Geographic Range
Native to Eastern and Central North America, from Newfoundland south to Florida and west to East Texas.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. The leaf exhibits interveinal chlorosis and localized brown fungal spots (possibly Phyllosticta minima). There is minor mechanical damage/tearing on the upper left margin.
Interesting Facts
It is the state tree of Rhode Island. It has the widest tolerance for habitat conditions of all North American maples. It is a 'pioneer species,' often being the first to reclaim cleared land.
Medicinal & Uses
Used for low-quality timber (pallets, crates, paper pulp). The sap can be boiled for maple syrup, though it is less sweet than Sugar Maple. Indigenous peoples used tea from the bark to treat sore eyes.
Ecological Role
Provides food for many herbivores; squirrels and birds eat the seeds. It is an important early-season nectar source for bees. Conservation status: Least Concern.
Similar Species
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) has smooth, U-shaped sinuses and no teeth on margins. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) has much deeper sinuses and more elongated lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for the red petioles (leaf stalks) and the distinctive 'V' shape of the sinuses. In spring, look for the clusters of winged seeds (samaras) which are also often reddish.
Toxicity Warning
Leaves are highly toxic to horses when wilted or dried, causing hemolytic anemia. Non-toxic to humans, though the seeds are generally the only edible part (after processing).