Maples (Acer)

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Maples (Acer) are a distinctive group of trees with their typically three-lobed leaves. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The seeds are also characteristic of the genus with paired seeds joined at the base and both with attached papery wings. These winged seeds are called samaras. The seeds detach from each other when mature and are dispersed by a helicopter like flight from the tree. One species of maple, Boxelder (Acer negundo) has a compound leaf with three leaflets, but the samaras are otherwise typical of the maples.

Acer is a large genus of about 150 species found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the North American species are found in the Eastern Deciduous Forest, although a few species are found in the west. The maples of the Eastern Deciduous Forest are most abundant in the northern half of the Eastern Deciduous Forest, although a couple of species are found in the southern United States. Many of the common eastern maple species favor wetter, cooler climates with rich soils.

Maples are economically important trees and are an important lumber species. The wood is used in furniture. Sugar Maple is the source of maple syrup and many species of maples are commonly planted as ornamentals including a number of species imported from the Old World.