Red maple

Scientific name: Acer rubrum

Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)

This abundant ornamental tree features something red in each season. It prefers moist or wet, acidic soils and full to partial sun but can be found in many different habitats. Red maples do not thrive when transplanted into alkaline clay soils, making them susceptible to pest or pathogen damage. Its fruits, shoots, and leaves are heavily consumed by deer and rodents.

Identification

LEAF: Opposite, simple, 3-5 inches long and wide with three to five shallow lobes. Fairly long petioles with a silvery, waxy coating. Coarsely toothed, light green above with pale green to whitish undersides; brilliant red or orange in autumn.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Buds are blunt and red. Twigs are slender, and glossy, and change from green to red and reddish-brown with age. Upright branching when young but rounded with age.

FLOWER: Red, wind-pollinated flowers that form long pedicles and develop into paired winged fruits.

FRUIT OR SEED: Predominately monoecious, paired, winged fruit is red and v-shaped, ripening on drooping stems in late spring or early summer.

BARK: Light gray and smooth on younger trees. Older tree bark is darker, developing thicker furrows and scales with age to give a twisted, ragged appearance.

MATURE HEIGHT: 50-80 feet.

Photo credits: Donald Cameron, ©Arthur Haines (Native Plant Trust), Arieh Tal (https://botphoto.info)