From today.

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) That common name, Red Maple. It’s one of many common names. So confusing. Why don’t we just learn the scientific name and avoid all the confusion. I wish it would happen, but dream on.

But that common name of Red Maple says a lot about the tree. It starts out in spring, sending out red leaves. Red leaves before the chlorophyl kicks in and turns the leaves green. Then it gets red flowers, red samaras (you might know them as helicopters), red twigs, and often but not always scarlet red leaves in autumn. Yes, the Red Maple doesn’t always turn red in autumn. Sometimes yellow, sometimes orange. Who would have thought!

_______________________________________________________________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!