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 with 3 to 5 triangular lobes and acute sinuses
Size
Approximately 2 to 4 inches long and wide, typical for adult trees
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed) along the margins of the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the twigs
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a paler, whitish-green or glaucous lower surface; brilliant red autumn foliage
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) upper surface with slightly hairy veins on the lower surface
Description
Acer rubrum is one of the most abundant and widespread deciduous trees in eastern North America. Known for its brilliant red autumn color, it features smooth grey bark on younger trees that darkens and develops scaly ridges on mature trunks. The canopy is dense with opposite-branched twigs bearing characteristic palmately lobed leaves.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3 to 5 lobed leaves with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and distinctly reddish twigs and buds
Habitat
Extremely versatile, found in wet bottomlands, swamps, as well as dry ridge tops and upland forests
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota
Condition Notes
Healthy summer mature condition with vibrant green canopy and no visible signs of widespread disease, pest damage, or chlorosis
Interesting Facts
The red maple is often called the most abundant tree in eastern North America and is the state tree of Rhode Island. It hybridizes naturally with silver maple to form Freeman's maple.
Medicinal & Uses
Indigenous peoples used red maple bark infusions as an eyewash, to treat chronic coughs, and for various aches. The wood is used for furniture, flooring, and turned objects, and the sap can be tapped for syrup, though less sweet than sugar maple.
Ecological Role
Provides vital browse for white-tailed deer, rabbits, and beaver. Seeds are eaten by squirrels and various birds, and the canopy offers nesting sites for numerous songbirds. Highly adaptable and plays a key role in forest succession.
Similar Species
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). Silver maple has deeply incised lobes with silvery undersides, while sugar maple has U-shaped sinuses and entire margins on the lobes.
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching patterns on the twigs and small paired winged seeds (samaras) in spring or lingering on the branches. Easily identified year-round by its opposite twig structure.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, but wilted or dried red maple leaves are extremely toxic to horses, causing severe hemolytic anemia