Red Maple

Common Names

Swamp Maple

Water Maple

Soft Maple  

Scientific Names

Acer rubrum

Sapindaceae family 

History of
the Tree Species

(See #30)

One of the most common deciduous trees in eastern and central North America

Also boasts the greatest north-south range of any tree species living entirely in eastern forests

State tree of Rhode Island (mentioned in 1890s and official in 1964)

Largest Red Maple is in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park at 141 ft. tall -- declared champ in 1997 

Scientific Facts

Tapped for syrup

Leaves are edible and used medicinally

Native Americans used bark as an analgesic, was for eye inflammation and cataracts, and remedy for hives and muscular aches

Tea brewed from inner bark used for treating coughs and diarrhea