red maple

What it is

Acer rubrum, the red maple, also known as swamp, water or soft maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America. The U.S. Forest service recognizes it as the most abundant native tree in eastern North America. The red maple ranges from southeastern Manitoba around the Lake of the Woods on the border with Ontario and Minnesota, east to Newfoundland, south to Florida, and southwest to eastern Texas....

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Found widely across the eastern and central United States, in forests, swamps, and along roadsides.

How to find it

Look for its three-lobed leaves, often with a reddish stem. In autumn, its bright red color is easy to spot.

Best time of day

Spring for red flowers and seeds, autumn for bright red leaves.

How it lives

What it eats

Sunlight, water, nutrients from the soil

What eats it

Deer, squirrels, insects

Worth knowing

• Red maple is one of the most common trees in eastern North America.
• Its wood is used for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
• Early settlers made ink and dyes from the tree's bark.
• The 'red' in its name comes from its red flowers, twigs, buds, and fall leaves.
• Its seeds are called 'samaras' and spin like tiny helicopters when they fall.
• You can tap maple trees for syrup, but sugar maples are usually preferred.

Why it matters

Red maples provide food and shelter for many animals. They also help clean our air.