Noted for its lovely fall colour, Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a relatively fast-growing deciduous tree of pyramidal habit when young, becoming rounded to oval at maturity. In early spring, tiny red flowers, borne in erect clusters, appear before the leaves and are followed by red fruit. Emerging red-tinged in spring, the leaves change to dark green with whitish undersides and often develop dazzling yellows and red in the fall. The Red Maple also provides some winter interest, with its attractive, smooth gray bark, often ridged and furrowed with age. Excellent as a specimen planting for lawns and streets.