Red Maple

Acer rubrum

The red maple is a tree native to North America and is a member of the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family.

• They are fast growing trees that usually reach 60 - 90 ft in height. Trunk diameter is about 3 ft. 

• The fruit they produce are called “samaras.” Many people refer to them as helicopters or whirlybirds because the “wing” makes them spin when they fall from the tree.

• They are typically 5-10 cm long with 3-5 palmate lobes with a serrated margin. The leaves are arranged oppositely on a twig.

• The bark of a young Red Maple is smooth. In color, it is usually light ash-gray, almost silver. As the tree ages, the texture and color of the bark changes. It darkens, and eventually vertical cracks develop.

• Fun fact: The red maple tree is one of about 128 species in the Acer (maple) genus.