Red Maple

Acer rubrum L.

AY-cer RUBE-rum

Aceraceae

Explanation of name: Acer is an ancient name for maples. Rubrum means red.

Natural range: Wet habitats across North America, including Florida

Recognition: Trees with opposite palmately lobed leaves.  Fruits clustered, winged. There are several cultivars based mostly on fall color.

Landscape uses:  Fast-growing deciduous shade tree with fall color where water is ample. Red Maples in South Florida require moist conditions and protection.  Those too sunny and too windy and too exposed fail or become unsightly.  Did not fare well in hurricanes.