Photographer & Copyright

© Ben Armstrong

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CC BY 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 3 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Red Maple and Sycamore Maple

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) vs. Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Updated April 28th, 2021

These two species are sometimes confused, especially when people do not know to check against Sycamore maple. Both have serrated leaf margins and frequently have reddish-tinged petioles, samaras, and other features. The flower structure and timing is radically different, but the species can also be distinguished by leaves and buds with relative ease if you know what to look for. In North America, red maple is widespread and common, whereas sycamore maple is uncommon in the wild, and usually most common in and near urban areas.

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collage of Norway Maple and Red Maple

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) vs. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Updated October 25th, 2019

Norway maple and red maple are easy to distinguish at any time of year. They are mainly confused due to being common and often occurring in the same habibat, especially around humans.

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collage of Red Maple and Sugar Maple

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) vs. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Updated October 23rd, 2019

Red maple has a highly variable leaf shape, and some can look similar to sugar maple, but they are easily distinguished by serrations and the color of the leaf underside. In winter, buds are easily distinguished. Samaras are also distinctive.

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