Red Maple

Red Maple
Acer rubrum

Red Maple is naturally found in lowlands; wet spots.  However, given its beautiful fall color and tolerance for wet spots, it has been planted extensively in landscape situations.  In fact, there are over 20 varieties that have been created for landscaping.  You are probably more likely to come across one in someone's yard than in the wild, unless you spend time wandering around in swamps.

The leaves are a bit different than the leaves of other maple species.  Note the three lobed design where none of the sides are parallel and the edge of the leaf is serrated.  That's a lot to memorize, but if you look at enough of the leaves, you'll get the hang of it.

The female flowers are tiny and red.

In the spring, the red female flowers really brighten up the tree.