Because they tend to be one of the first trees to bloom in the spring pollination is not a problem, as honeybees work them fast after a flowerless winter. The winged seeds are paired and called keys or samaras and when caught in the wind spin to the ground similar to a helicopter's blade. Male and female flowers are found in different flower clusters and sometimes on different trees. They have been known to live 150 years. Before colonists imported mahogany, red maple was the main wood used for furniture.
Red maples help add diversity to wetlands and our landscape.
Also white tailed deer utilize the bark as food in cold winters. This page is part of the Columbus State University Web site. Send mail to the CSU Webmaster with questions or comments about this Web site.