Acer rubrum
Leaves are opposite simple.
The
red maple grows well on a wide range of soil types. It is fast growing and grows to a to 70 feet
tall.
The leaves are arranged opposite on the twigs. The are broadly ovate with 3 shallow short-pointed lobes turning red, orange, and yellow in the autumn. The lobes sinuses are sharp, with toothed margins.
The fruit is a
v-shaped samara (winged seed). The twigs are shiny red with numerous small lenticels.
Leaves:
- Three (sometimes five) main lobes
- Leaf margins are slightly serrated
- Notches between lobes are shallow
- Palmately veined
- Base of lobes are pointed
- Fall colors range from gold to deep purple and scarlet
Branching: opposite
Bark:
- Twigs and buds are reddish in color.
- Younger trees are smooth and light gray.
- Older trees have long, narrow, scaly plates with shallow fissures.
Trunk Diameter: 12 to 24 in.
Longevity: maturity reached at 70 to 80 yrs. (may attain an age of 150 yrs.)
Tolerance: intermediate
Range: eastern U.S.
Fun Facts:
- Wood sometimes used for furniture.
- Named for the bright red flowers that appear in the spring.
