Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmately lobed with 3 to 5 lobes and sharp sinuses
Margin
Serrate (toothed) along the margins of the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the twig with a slender petiole
Venation
Palmate venation radiating from the base with prominent primary and secondary veins
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, palmately 3-5 lobed leaves with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and distinctly red petioles in living specimens
Description
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and widespread trees in eastern North America. Renowned for its brilliant scarlet autumn foliage, it features a medium to large upright form, smooth gray bark on young trunks that becomes flaky with age, small red clusters of flowers in early spring, and paired winged samaras.
Habitat
Typically found in deciduous forests, moist woods, swamps, and along stream banks, though highly adaptable to various soil moisture levels
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to Florida and Texas