American Red Maple

A very red tree...
== AKA ==
Red Maple, Swamp Maple
== Description ==
A fairly large tree. Red Maple is another native tree. As the name implies, this tree is very red. Red flowers. Red twigs. Red samaras. Red fall color. Although, some red maples actually will have purple, orange or yellow fall color. Its not certain whether or not these are subspecies. The red maple is the signage in March that spring is coming. Red maple along with American Elm, and Silver Maple, are the first to bloom every spring. Flowers bloom way before leaves appear. Leaves and samaras both appear in April with a few other Maples. Flowers are very showy, earning my love for them. Female trees give the best flowers. The flowers are puffier and much larger. Samaras drop, fully mature, before the arrival of Summer. By the start of May, the leaves will begin to erupt. Some seeds will germinate the same year. Germination if any, occurs in Summer. In the fall, before Halloween, all the leaves are gone. They either turn red or yellow, but red is easily the dominant color. More than most of your red maples will boast red fall leaves. Yellow leaved fall foliaged red maples may be a cultivar, variety, or subspecies. Bark has some furrows, but remain shallow. Most red maples have grooves or ridges. 
Red Maple is a fairly slow grower, but can sometimes put on a foot per year when young. They do well in almost any environment, even swamps. Red Maple has pretty strong wood, and doesnt break easily. They make great street and park trees. The seeds are non invasive, and few seeds germinate. This tree is very popular among planters. 
== General ==
60-75' 
Grows almost anywhere. 
Does well in flooded, or swampy areas. 
First to flower. Also first to drop leaves.
Strong wood. 
Fast Growing. 6-18 inches of growth per year is average. 
Native maple.
Impressive spring and fall color. 
Red twigs.
Category:Trees and Shrubs
Category:Nature