Friday, May 5, 2017

Acer rubrum (Red Maple)


March 3. One tree had bloomed before the Serviceberry tree. The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) had bloomed. I’d seen the blooms, but they were high up, and in the shade. No way to hook them and bring them down for a close-up shot. But the clusters of samaras – their seeds – were a different matter.


They were a bright red and, at the right time of day, were caught in the sunlight.
Although there are several Red Maples along this trail, this tree put on the best show this year.

References: 
- Native and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Acer rubrum 
- USDA Plant Database: Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

2 comments:

Kay G. said...

Hello Joan!
You are correct, this red is gorgeous!
I have one, it had fallen off a tree at Panola Mountain State Park, it was in the parking lot. I have it at the top of my calendar on the wall, it has faded to a lovely burgundy color now.
You should see my photo of the hickory tree and tell me if you think it is a mockernut hickory!
Lovely to see a post from you again!

JSK said...

Thanks! Good to be back.
I'm not good at tree ID. There are a couple of hickory's in this area - Red, Mockernut and Pignut. I think the bark pattern is helpful for ID'ing these. One book you might find helpful is 'Trees Made Easier' by Dan D. Williams.