Red Maple

This species and the Silver Maple often are referred to as the "soft maples." The bright red flowers make this tree conspicuous in early spring. In autumn the changing leaves become scarlet to orange in color. The tree grows in moist soils in swamps, bottomlands, and uplands. Distributed throughout Ohio, it is most common in the southwestern and eastern parts of the state and near Lake Erie. The wood is soft, not very strong and not durable. It is used for some furniture, boxes, and woodenware. Although not as productive as Sugar Maple, the Red Maple can be tapped for syrup and sugar. The tree often is planted as an ornamental. Several kinds of mammals feed on parts of the tree.