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Red maple

Acer rubrum | Family: Sapindaceae/Soapberry

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

classic maple shape, green/red color.

Twigs—

long with a grayish color.

Flowers—

small red flowers

Fruit—

small clustered red fruits

Bark—

Dark grayish color.

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

80–100 years, some have reached 200 years of age.

General description—

They are known for being fast growing and being easy to grow, even though it has been threatened by diseases and pests. They easily grow in moist soils.

Natural distribution and habitat—

They are native to the eastern united states and are widely distributed over that area too.

Conservation status—

They are one of the most highly grown and highly abundant trees in the forest and easily survive decimation.

Uses—

The sap can be used to make maple syrup, the tannin substance of this tree can be used to make dyes and inks. Some have been used as ornamental trees. Wildlife feed on these trees too.
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