Red Maple
Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally placed in Aceraceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmate-lobed with 3 to 5 lobes, typically featuring sharp sinuses
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed along the margins)
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating from the base, prominent midrib and secondary veins.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3 to 5-lobed leaves with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and distinctly reddish petioles and twigs.
Description
The Red Maple is one of the most abundant and widespread trees in eastern North America. Recognized by its brilliant red autumn foliage, smooth grey bark on younger trees becoming flaky with age, and small reddish flowers that appear long before the leaves in early spring.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of sites from swamps and wet bottomlands to dry ridges, though it prefers moist, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.