Florida Maple
Acer floridanum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes, featuring rounded sinuses between the lobes
Margin
Entire to sparsely and shallowly toothed
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base, prominent midribs for each lobe, and a reticulate network of smaller veins.
Key Features
Distinguished from the closely related Sugar Maple by its smaller, darker green leaves with 5 distinct lobes, rounded sinuses, and preference for warm southern lowland and hammock habitats.
Description
The Florida Maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree typically reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet. It features a rounded, dense crown of foliage, smooth light gray bark on younger trunks that becomes slightly furrowed with age, and small greenish-yellow flowers appearing in early spring before the leaves fully emerge. The winged samaras (seeds) mature in late spring and provide an essential food source for local wildlife.
Habitat
Typically found in rich, moist deciduous woods, bottomlands, river floodplains, and limestone hammocks. Prefers well-draining soils with good moisture and partial to full sun.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, ranging from southeastern Virginia south to Florida, and west to Texas.
Notes
Florida maple