FloraResults

Synonym

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Carex Section

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Meaning of Scientific Name

Acer: sharp, in reference to the hardness of maple wood which was used for spears by Roman soldiers; rubrum: red colored; trilobum: three-lobed

Native Plant

Yes

Life Form

Perennial Tree

Phenology (Flowering Period)

March-April

Physiographic Province

County Distribution

Habitat

Tidal and non-tidal swamps, low ground, moist woodlands, floodplains, stream banks

State Status

Common

Piedmont Status

Common

Coastal Plain Status

Common

Global Rank

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Federal Status

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Geographic Affinity

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Species at Limit of Distribution

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)

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Coefficient of Conservatism

2

Invasive

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Invasive Watchlist

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Global Origin (Non-native Species)

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Wildlife Values

The seeds of red maple provide food for Quail, Grosbeaks and other birds, as well as small mammals. The flowers are an important early pollen and nectar source for bees. Maples are widely used by inchworms (Geometridae), as well as the Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda), the Oval-based Prominent (Peridea basitriens), the Retarded Dagger Moth (Acronicta rubicoma), the Orange-humped Maple Worm (Symmerista leucitys), the Maple Looper (Parallelia bistriaris), and the Baltimore Bomolocha (Bomolocha baltimoralis).

Medicinal Properties

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ID Notes

Leaves unlobed or 3 lobed.

Additional Info

Occurs throughout the eastern U.S., but primarily in swamps.

Habitats in which this plant occurs