Maple Tree
Acer
Scientific Name:
Characteristics:
Maple trees are deciduous trees, which means they shed their leaves in the fall and grow new leaves in the spring.
Maple trees have simple, opposite leaves with a distinctive shape. The edges of the leaves may be smooth or serrated, and the leaves may be shiny or matte. The size and shape of the leaves can vary depending on the species of maple tree.
Maple trees have bark that is smooth and pale when they are young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree matures. The bark of some maple species, such as sycamore maple, has distinctive patterns or scars.
Maple trees produce fruit in the form of seeds that are surrounded by a papery wing, called "samaras." The size, shape, and appearance of the samaras can vary depending on the species of maple tree.
Maple trees have a rounded or oval canopy with sturdy branches. They can grow to be quite large, with some species reaching heights of over 100 feet.
Threats:
Maple trees can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and verticillium wilt.
Maple trees can also be damaged by environmental stressors, such as drought, extreme temperatures, and air pollution.
Care:
Maple trees should be planted in a location that has well-draining soil and receives full sun or partial shade.
Maple trees should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
Maple trees should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Maple trees should be pruned in the winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Identification:
There are many species of maple trees that can be found in different parts of the world, and they can be distinguished by their physical characteristics and location. Here are a few common maple tree species and how to identify them:
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum): Sugar maple is a deciduous tree that is native to the eastern parts of North America. It has simple, opposite leaves with three or five lobes and a glossy green upper surface. The bark of sugar maple trees is smooth and pale when they are young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree matures. Sugar maple trees produce samaras that are about 2 inches long and have a distinctive shape with a narrow, curved wing.
Red maple (Acer rubrum): Red maple is a deciduous tree that is native to the eastern parts of North America. It has simple, opposite leaves with three or five lobes and a glossy green upper surface. The bark of red maple trees is smooth and pale when they are young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree matures. Red maple trees produce samaras that are about 2 inches long and have a distinctive shape with a broad, straight wing.
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum): Silver maple is a deciduous tree that is native to the eastern parts of North America. It has simple, opposite leaves with three or five lobes and a matte green upper surface. The bark of silver maple trees is smooth and pale when they are young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree matures. Silver maple trees produce samaras that are about 2 inches long and have a distinctive shape with a broad, straight wing.
Norway maple (Acer platanoides): Norway maple is a deciduous tree that is native to Europe and Asia. It has simple, opposite leaves with five lobes and a glossy green upper surface. The bark of Norway maple trees is smooth and pale when they are young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree matures. Norway maple trees produce samaras that are about 1.5 inches long and have a distinctive shape with a broad, straight wing.
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): Japanese maple is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan and other parts of Asia. It has simple, opposite leaves with five or seven lobes and a matte green upper surface. The bark of Japanese maple trees is smooth and pale when they are young, but it becomes rough and dark as the tree matures. Japanese maple trees produce samaras that are about 1.5 inches long and have a distinctive shape with a narrow, curved wing.