This tree can be identified through a few easy tests. Does the bark of this tree look in-tact? If not, you could be looking at a Paperbark Maple! One of the most distinct portions of this tree is its bark, similar to that of a birch tree. The bark appears to be actively peeling away from the tree’s trunk in large curls. It is dark red-brown on top, and peels away to reveal a lighter, muted brown underneath. This tree can also be identified by its leaves, which consist of three distinct segments, connected by a central stem. In the fall, this tree turns beautiful shades of red and orange, giving it the shocking appearance of being on fire.
Image by Bruce Marlin, Wiki Creative Commons
Foliage
These leaves are composed of three main segments, bound by a central stem. The foliage is green for most of the year, with a reddish orange stem. In the fall, these trees turn bright red.
Seeds or Cones
This tree has the classic maple propeller style seed, which falls gracefully from the canopy and spins itself to the ground. See more about propellers on the Bigleaf Maple page.
All illustrations by A.S. Longman
Did you know?
This tree originates from China
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