The Red Maple (Acer rubrum), also known as swamp maple, water maple, or soft maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees in eastern and central North America. Recognized by the U.S. Forest Service as the most abundant native tree in eastern North America, it ranges from southeastern Manitoba, east to Newfoundland, south to Florida, and southwest to Texas. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, growing in swamps, poor dry soils, and everything in between, from sea level to about 3,000 feet in elevation. The tree is notable for its brilliant scarlet autumn foliage, although its flowers, petioles, twigs, and seeds also exhibit varying degrees of red. Identification Features: Red Maple is a medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 90 to 120 feet, with some specimens exceeding 135 feet. The leaves are 2-4 inches long and wide, with three to five palmate lobes and serrated margins, turning bright red, yellow, or orange in autumn. The upper leaf surface is light green, while the underside is whitish and may be either glaucous or hairy. The twigs are reddish, with blunt, greenish to reddish buds. The bark is initially smooth and pale gray, becoming darker and developing long, raised plates with age. Flowers and Fruit: The tree is polygamodioecious, meaning it can have male, female, or both flower types on the same or different trees. The red flowers bloom from late winter to early spring, before the leaves appear. The fruits are schizocarps, consisting of two winged samaras, each 5/8 to 1 inch long, which ripen from April to June and are dispersed over a short period. Ecological Role and Adaptability: Red Maple is highly adaptable and can grow in various moist and dry environments, from dry ridges and slopes to swamps and peat bogs. It is particularly tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels, and can thrive in both sun and shade, allowing it to dominate disturbed sites. While it is considered weedy or invasive in young, disturbed forests, in mature forests, it tends to be less dominant. It is one of the first trees to flower in spring and plays a significant role in forest regeneration. Uses and Significance: Red Maple is widely planted for its attractive form and brilliant fall color, making it a popular choice for landscaping. It is also used for maple syrup production and its wood, classified as "soft maple," is valued for its medium to high-quality lumber, furniture, and musical instruments. Native Americans used the bark for medicinal purposes, and it has been introduced to Europe as an ornamental tree. However, it can be toxic to horses, and care should be taken to prevent livestock from ingesting its leaves.