Acer rubrum, red maple

This video describes the natural history of the red maple tree, Acer rubrum. One of the most widespread trees in eastern North America, red maple lives in all kinds of habitats. In the video I discuss the forestry term, importance value, and the many possible reasons that red maple's importance has risen. It is eaten, and lived in, by many animals. People have used red maple for its wood, bark and sap and appreciated its beauty from early spring to fall.