The seeds detach from each other when mature and are dispersed by a helicopter like flight from the tree. Acer is a large genus of about 150 species found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the North American species are found in the Eastern Deciduous Forest, although a few species are found in the west. The maples of the Eastern Deciduous Forest are most abundant in the northern half of the Eastern Deciduous Forest, although a couple of species are found in the southern United States. Many of the common eastern maple species favor wetter, cooler climates with rich soils.
Maples are economically important trees and are an important lumber species.
The wood is used in furniture. Sugar Maple is the source of maple syrup and many species of maples are commonly planted as ornamentals including a number of species imported from the Old World. All rights reserved.