Etymology: Acer: the classical Latin name for the maple
Plants: perennial tree usually 40'-60' tall but up to 120' tall and up to 5' in diameter; bark light gray, separating into large plates
Leaves: opposite, undivided, silvery below, deeply 5-lobed, end lobe with narrowed bottom; indentations (sinuses) between main lobes sharp
Flowers: greenish to reddish, blooming Feb.-May much before leaves open usually in very early spring, in short clusters
Fruits: matures in spring and dropping before the leaves are full
Habitat: moist to wet; often on riverbanks
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FACW University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Trees: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest; UW-Extension: Interactive guide providing information on cultivation including: soil, zone, growth rate, landscape uses, pruning, light requirements; with photos and Latin name pronounciation