#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
This April morning in woods, red maple, fresh branches, light the edges of swamp, where all the autumn leaves fell to rot.
“Acer rubrum (red maple, also known as swamp, water or soft maple) is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America. The U.S. Forest service recognizes it as the most abundant native tree in North America. . . . it is best known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in autumn.
Over most of its range, red maple is adaptable to a very wide range of site conditions, perhaps more so than any other tree in eastern North America. It can be found growing in swamps, on poor dry soils, and most anywhere in between. . . Due to its attractive fall foliage and pleasing form, it is often used as a shade tree for landscapes. It is used commercially on a small scale for maple syrup production as well as for its medium to high quality lumber. . . The red maple can be considered weedy or invasive.[5] It is taking over forests in the eastern US, replacing traditional mainstays like oaks, as well as hickories and pines.[6]”
All photos and text copyright Kelly DuMar 2017