Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmately lobed with typically 3 to 5 triangular lobes and V-shaped sinuses
Margin
Coarsely serrate or toothed along the edges of the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating outwards from the base of the leaf blade, complemented by prominent reticulate secondary veining
Key Features
Distinctive reddish petioles, palmately lobed leaves with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and opposite branching pattern
Description
The Red Maple is a versatile and widespread deciduous tree known for its brilliant red autumn foliage, reddish twigs, and distinctive red leaf stems. It features a medium to large upright crown, smooth gray bark on younger trees that darkens and develops scaly ridges with age, small red flowers appearing in early spring before the leaves, and paired winged samaras (helicopter seeds)
Habitat
Adaptable to a wide variety of moisture regimes, from swampy bottomlands and wet woods to dry ridges, though it thrives best in moist, slightly acidic soils in full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, extending from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States to Florida and Texas