Red Maple
Acer rubrum
native
Other Names:
Swamp Maple, Water Maple, Soft Maple
The Red Maple is a native tree found throughout Virginia. Many species of birds forage in Red Maples, and both birds and mammals sometimes use cavities in them. It is one of the most adaptable trees to a wide range of site conditions, but it is not considered to be a long-lived tree. The Red Maple is sometimes used in the production of maple syrup, but other species of maple are preferable. The wood is popular with makers of furniture and musical instruments. Many Red Maples, including some at Monticello Park, are affected by Ocellate Gall Midges. These tiny insects deposit their eggs exclusively on Red Maple leaves. The resulting round galls are rarely abundant enough to injure the tree, but they can mar a tree's appearance. (See photos below.) The word "ocellate" means "having little eyes", and the term "ocelli" is used to describe the tiny eyes of spiders and the spots on peacock feathers.
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