Complete the worksheet! Family: Maple (Aceraceae) Height: 40-60' Tree: single trunk, narrow dense crown Leaf: lobed, 3-4" long, oppositely attached, 3-5 lobes (usually 3), shallow notches in between lobes, double-toothed margin, light green color, leafstalk red Bark: gray, smooth, broken by narrow irregular cracks Flower: tiny red hanging flower, ¼" wide, on a 1-2" long red stalk, growing in clusters, 1-3" wide Fruit: pair of winged seeds (samara), red in springtime, ½-1" long Fall Color: red to orange Origin/Age: native; 75-100 years Habitat: wet to moist soils, along swamps or depressions that hold water Range: northeastern two-thirds of the state Interesting Facts: One of the most drought-tolerant species of maple in Minnesota. Often planted as an ornamental tree, it can be identified by its characteristic leaves, which have three pointed lobes, and red stalks. The common name comes from the obvious red flowers that bloom early in spring, but the flowers and leafstalks are not the only red colors it has. New leaves, fall color, and spring seeds are also red. Produces one of the smallest seeds of any of the maples. Also called Swamp Maple, Water Maple, or Soft Maple, the latter common name being the same as the Silver Maple. Even though it is sometimes called Soft Maple, its wood is very hard and brittle. Explore the tree species of Central Park!