A genus, Acer, of broad-leaved, deciduous trees including about 115 species in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. This genus is characterized by simple, opposite, usually palmately lobed (rarely pinnate) leaves, generally inconspicuous flowers, and a fruit consisting of two longwinged samaras or keys . The most important commercial species is the sugar or rock maple (A. saccharum), called hard maple in the lumber market. This tree grows in the eastern half of the United States and adjacent Canada. It can be recognized by its gray furrowed bark, sharp-pointed scaly winter buds, and symmetrical oval outline of the crown. Maples rank third in the production of hardwood lumber. Hard maple is used for flooring, furniture, boxes, crates, woodenware, spools, bobbins, motor vehicle parts, veneer, railroad ties, and pulpwood. It is the source of maple sugar and syrup and is planted as a shade tree. |
