Click on the images help you identify a red maple.
Form
Medium-size shade tree, height 40 to 65 feet with trunk diameter of 10 to 24 inches. Crown is broad and round. Trunk is moderately long and clear of branches.
Bark
Young stems have smooth, light gray bark. Bark on older stems and trunk become dark gray and rough, divided by shallow, flaky ridges at surface, making tree look shaggy.
Leaf
Simple, opposite on stem, length 2 to 4 inches with three- to five-pointed saw-toothed lobes separated by sharp angular openings. The upper surface is light green when mature and the lower surface is whitish and partly covered with pale down. Red maple is the first of the maples to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Winter buds are small, red, and somewhat rounded.
Fruit (seed)
Consists of U-shaped pairs of winged seeds (samaras), 1/2 to 1 inch in length, growing on long, drooping stems. Seeds are red, reddish brown, or yellow and ripen in late spring or early summer.
Range
Distributed throughout the eastern half of the state as far south as Houston County and west to a line running south from Mahnomen to Redwood Falls. Shade tolerant, moderately fast growing. Very sensitive to fire.
Wood uses
Wood is heavy, close-grained, rather weak, light brown. It can be used in the manufacture of cheap furniture, woodenware, and fuel, otherwise the wood has little commercial value. Bark is sometimes used in dyeing. Shape and beautiful foliage colors make this an important ornamental tree. Sap can be tapped to make syrup.