Acer rubrum

Biological Overview

Habitat
Native to areas like North America, Canada and Florida in moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Found in swamps, bogs, and near rivers.

Diet
Sunlight and water as food and drink.

Role in Ecosystem
Different animals such as birds, rodents, deer and rabbits feed off of the fruit and leaves of the tree.

Behavior
All throughout the year, the red maple tree grows its roots, drops leaves and regrows. It also grows small fruits during mid-spring.

Human Impact

Humans have many impacts on the red maple. They have made significant alterations to this species. They have helped impact the expansion and helped them grow as a species. Humans have significantly worked to stop forest fires, which helped the trees thrive in the environment and produce more of them. Humans can also cause harmful impacts on this species, like planting them in cities and very populated areas. They do this for the looks, but can also harm the tree by the overall polluted area. Humans also can use this tree for provisional resources, like syrup, furniture, etc.

Creative Exploration

I stand on the ground, roots rooted deep,
I stand with such stillness, as if I’m asleep,
Though I’m not asleep, I’m stuck, still,
Everyone around me lives their lives with thrill,
I sit here watching each day go by,
The rabbits hopping, the birds up high,
I serve a purpose to both big and small,
However I am still stuck here, green and tall,
Not all year round though, I do change,
My leaves go red the birds engage,
I grow fruit from my branches, small and round,
Then they’re used and gone, when fallen to the ground, Its alright I guess that’s what I’m for,
But sometimes I wish, I long to be more.

Caleb Block, Mia Marzano, Autumn Shire

Book 5