Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry and Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmate with 3 to 5 triangular lobes and sharp, V-shaped sinuses
Margin
Coarsely serrate or toothed along the edges
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating outwards from the base
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3-5 lobed leaves with serrated margins, V-shaped leaf sinuses, and distinct reddish petioles
Description
Acer rubrum is a versatile and widespread deciduous tree known for its brilliant scarlet autumn foliage. It features smooth gray bark on young trees that darkens and develops scaly ridges with age. The tree produces small red flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by paired winged samaras.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in both wet swampy bottomlands and dry upland forests, thriving in acidic soils with full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down to Florida and west to Texas