Red maple (Acer rubrum)

Bibliography

www.arborday.org/trees

Taxonomy:  Species= rubrum

                            Genus= Acer

                            Family= Maple (Aceraceae)

                             Order= Sapindales

Common Names:  "Scarlet Maple"

                                         "Swamp Maple"

Habitat Preference: Mixed hardwood forest with wet or moist soils along stream   banks, valleys, and swamps.  Sometimes found on dry ridges.

Geographical Distribution: Southeastern Manitoba east to eastern Newfoundland, and as far south as southern Florida, and west into eastern Texas. This tree grows in elevations up to 6,000 feet.

Identifying Characteristics: Displays red leaves in the autumn season. The tree in general is medium in size and grows rather quickly from year to year, about 2 to 5 feet per year.  

Biogeographic Facts: The Red maple has the greatest North-South distribution of all tree species along the East Coast.

Miscellaneous Facts: This tree often indicates the arrival of fall by turning bright red well before the other deciduous trees begin to change color. The red maple is also one of the first trees to flower in the spring. 

The red maple has been used for erosion control, due to its ability to endure wetter soils.

County Distribution of ACRU in Virginia Acer rubrum L. red maple   Virginia Distribution Source: http://plants.usda.gov/