The genus Acer, commonly known as maples,

is a large group of trees and shrubs native to

North America, Asia, Europe, and northern
Africa. There are over 100 recognized species
of Acer, with a wide variety of shapes, sizes,
and leaf colors. Here are some of the most
common and interesting Acer species:
 Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): A large,
majestic tree native to eastern North
America. It's well known for its beautiful fall
foliage, which turns brilliant shades of red,
orange, and yellow. Sugar maple sap is also
used to produce maple syrup.
 Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Another
widespread maple in North America, known
for its vibrant red fall leaves. It's a medium-
sized tree that can tolerate a wider range of
soil conditions than sugar maple.
 Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum): A fast-
growing tree with distinctive silvery-white
undersides to its leaves. It's often planted
as an ornamental tree but can be short-lived
and susceptible to storm damage.
 Norway Maple (Acer platanoides): A
popular ornamental tree native to Europe
and western Asia. It has large, green leaves
that turn yellow to orange in fall. Norway
maple is known for its dense shade and
tolerance for pollution, making it a common
choice for urban landscapes.
 Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): A
smaller, delicate tree prized for its
ornamental value. Japanese maples come
in a wide variety of cultivars with stunning
leaf shapes and colors, including red,
orange, purple, and green.
 Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo): A fast-
growing, adaptable tree native to North
America. It has greenish-yellow flowers and
winged seeds. Boxelder maple is not as
visually appealing as other maples, but it
can tolerate harsh conditions and is a good
choice for erosion control.
 Amur Maple (Acer ginnala): A small, multi-
stemmed tree or shrub native to eastern
Asia. It's known for its bright red fall foliage
 and is a popular choice for bonsai
cultivation.
 Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum): A
fascinating tree with peeling cinnamon-
colored bark that exposes a papery layer
underneath. It's native to central China and
is a relatively rare species in cultivation.
This is just a small sampling of the many Acer
species. With their diverse shapes, sizes, and
foliage colors, there's sure to be a maple tree
perfect for any landscape.