Acer sp.

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Maple is a widespread deciduous tree popular in eastern North America.

Many of its features, especially its leaves, are quite variable in form. Among these features it is best known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in autumn. Red Maple is adaptable to a very wide range of site conditions. It can be found growing in swamps, on poor dry soils, and most anywhere in between. Elevation is also not a limiting factor in its range. Due to its attractive fall foliage and pleasing form, it is often used as a shade tree for landscapes. It is used commercially on a small scale for maple syrup production as well as for its medium to high quality lumber. It is the State Tree of Rhode Island. It is very cold hardy.

Maple is a very popular plant in Japan and a subject for bonsai. Autumn in Japan is celebrated with colorful autumn leaves known as momijigari. The foliage of trees light up the Japanese landscape. Scarlet Japanese maples flash against emerald conifers, this is the beauty of momijigari as you view the spectacular colors of changing leaves.

The maples have long been known to be closely related to the family Sapindaceae.

Similar plants:

• Acer japonicum (Amur maple, Downy Japanese maple, Fullmoon maple)
• Acer palmatum (Japanese maple, Palmate maple, Smooth Japanese maple)
• Brachychiton acerifolius (Flame Tree)
• Engelhardia spicata, Engelhardia aceriflora (Great Malay Beam, Mauwa)
• Pterospermum acerifolium (Dinnerplate Tree)