Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmate lobed, typically with 3 to 5 triangular lobes
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed) along the margins
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with primary veins radiating outwards from the base of the leaf blade
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3 to 5 palmate lobes with serrated margins, V-shaped sinuses between lobes, and a distinct reddish petiole and twig system
Description
Acer rubrum is a medium to large deciduous tree celebrated for its brilliant scarlet autumn foliage. It features smooth gray bark on young trunks that becomes darker and flaky with age. The tree produces small red flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by paired winged samaras.
Habitat
Thrives in a wide variety of habitats from swampy lowlands and wet woods to dry ridges, though it prefers moist, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, extending from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota