Red maple

The commonest tree of the eastern US forests – its red flowers herald spring, and its scarlet leaves set New England ablaze in autumn.

A deciduous tree growing to 20–30 m, with three- or five-lobed leaves on red stalks. Also red are the tiny flowers, which appear in early spring before the leaves, and the winged fruits that ripen as early as late spring. The red maple is exceptionally adaptable – it grows both in swamps and on dry ridges, giving it one of the widest ranges of any North American tree. Its sap can be made into syrup, although it is less sweet than that of the sugar maple.

Significance in the country

The autumn colours of red maples are the main attraction of “leaf peeping” – the seasonal tourism of New England and the Appalachians. It is also one of the most frequently planted street and park trees in the east of the country.

Where it grows

The whole eastern part of the country – from Maine and Minnesota to Florida and eastern Texas; especially numerous in New England, the Appalachians and the lowlands of the South.

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