Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Part 1

One of the first signs of Spring is a red cast on bare trees; a sign that Red Maples (Acer rubrum) are blooming

Or fallen flowers, particularly after a storm or a windy day

A flowering branch

Flower buds just opening

A few days later

An immature flower corymb in profile

A mature flower cluster with pollen visible on the anthers. To be continued …

The Red Maple is native to the Eastern United States. They are common in Walton and Barrow counties including in Fort Yargo State Park.
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Distribution Maps:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Vanderbilt University Bioimages: Acer rubrum
- Wikipedia: Acer rubrum

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Part 2