Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Family Aceraceae
Notable Features
Leaves: Leaves are opposite*, toothed*, and have 3 to 5 lobes* with shallow sinuses*. The back of the leaf is broad and V-shaped. Leaf underside may be hairless or hairy.
Twigs/Buds: Twigs are hairless and smooth, and reddish colored. Buds* are small, red, and blunt, with several scales evident.
Bark: Young bark is extremely smooth and gray, yet as the tree matures, the bark becomes darkened and more cracked.
Flowers/ Keys: Clusters of tiny red flowers appear in early spring and hang almost umbrella-like from twigs and branches. May through July, small maple fruits, or keys*, are produced. The keys form less than a 90 degree angle with one another, and are usually a reddish-brown.
Size/Shape: A medium sized tree that reaches heights of 20 to 40 feet (6-12 meters) and diameters of 1 to 2 feet (30-60 centimeters).
Location on Campus

(click for map)
Easily found in the Sachar Woods. Also used as an ornamental tree throughout campus, such as Ridgewood Quad and in front of the main library.
Uses
Although not the most commonly tapped, the Red Maple produced sap that be reduced to a fine sugar and syrup.
Except where specifically noted, all text, photographs, and drawings copyright Chris Bersbach and Lisa Leombruni 2002. No part of this page may be reproduced without the express permission of the authors.