Description of the Leaf of a Red Maple Tree

Leaves of the red maple tree.

The red maple tree, Acer rubrum L., is a species of the genus Acer L., a perennial member of the Aceraceae family. In North America, it grows as far west as Texas.

Identification

The brilliant, red autumn foliage serves as the origin of the name of the red maple tree. The leaves grow between 3 and 4 inches long and nearly as wide. The red maple leaf is usually three-lobed -- although five lobes are possible -- and is coarsely serrated, with teeth, along the margins of the lobes.

Features

Red maple leaves are deciduous and situated oppositely on their twig. When five lobes are present, the three at the end are larger than the two near the base. When mature, the leaves are light green on top and a pale, whitish-green along the underside, often possessing a hint of hair.

Fall Colors

Also known as the scarlet maple or swamp maple tree, the leaves of the red maple are breathtaking in the fall before plummeting to the ground and forming a carpet of color. Fall foliage is brilliant red, orange, and yellow.

References

• Cornell University Sugar Maple Research and Extension Program: Red Maple
• United States Department of Agriculture: Plants Profile: Red Maple
• University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation: Red Maple