However, red maple leaves have shallow V-shaped indentations between the lobes. The indentation between the lobes of sugar maple leaves is U-shaped. But comparing sugar maples with silver maples, you’ll notice that silver maple leaves have deeper indentations than sugar maple leaves.

The number of lobes, margin serration, depth of indentations, and leaf shape help to identify specific maple species.įor example, the sugar maple leaf has five serrated lobes. Many maple tree leaves have serrated lobes. Maple tree leaves are lobed and have between three and nine lobes. Maple leaf shape is the prominent way to help identify the type of maple tree The maple leaves are said to symbolize strength and endurance. A single stylized maple leaf with 11 points and deep indentations features prominently in the Canadian flag. The striking maple leaf-especially from the sugar maple tree-is undoubtedly the tree’s most recognizable feature. The decorative wood grain makes maple tree wood popular for making beautiful furniture. Maple wood is a type of hardwood that is used to make baseball bats, bowling pins, pool cue shafts, and hardwood flooring. Maple trees are also prized for their quality timber. Although you can make syrup from any maple tree, it’s only the sugar maple tree ( Acer saccharum) that produces quality syrup. The most famous product from maple trees is the sweet maple syrup made from the tree’s sap. Other popular varieties of maple trees for gardens are the Amur Maple ( Acer ginnala), Big Leaf Maple ( Acer macrophyllum), and the Hedge Maple tree ( Acer campestre). The two most common maples are the sugar maple ( Acer saccharum) and the red maple ( Acer rubrum).

There are about 128 species of maple trees in the Acer plant genus. The ornamental maple tree provides stunning autumn color and there are many types to suit every garden

Leaf guide tree identification