Red Maples vs. Sugar Maples

[Douglas Sherman]

There always seems to be confusion between these two trees. Red Maples typically have red leaves while Sugar Maples have a much greater range of colors. The tell tale clues are in the leaves themselves. Red Maple leaves always have red stems and the edges of the leaves are serrated. Sugar Maple leaves have yellow stems and the edges of the leaves are smooth. Here are intimate views of the two trees.

Red Maple

Sugar Maple

 

[AlanLichty]

You weren't kidding about the wider variety of colors on the sugar maple. Both are quite colorful compared to the western maple trees.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Lovely display of colors in both trees.

 

[JimFox]

Thanks Doug for this, it’s very helpful to see. And the photos are great too!

 

[Timmeh]

I really like the branch structure you captured in the sugar maple. Plus I appreciate the illustration of differences between two species as a biology teacher.

 

[Jeffrey]

Always like to learn from you Douglas. Looks like fall is happening now around Cottonwood. Beautiful imaging.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

You weren't kidding about the wider variety of colors on the sugar maple. Both are quite colorful compared to the western maple trees.

Thank you for your kind comments, Alan.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Always like to learn from you Douglas. Looks like fall is happening now around Cottonwood. Beautiful imaging.

Thank you so much, Jeffrey.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

I really like the branch structure you captured in the sugar maple. Plus I appreciate the illustration of differences between two species as a biology teacher.

You must have a plethora of great images to share with you classes, Tim.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Thanks Doug for this, it’s very helpful to see. And the photos are great too!

Thank you, Jim.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Lovely display of colors in both trees.

Thanks so much, Ben.