In late winter and early spring, before the leaves appear, clusters of tiny Red Maple flowers bloom throughout the swamp. The samara, the common winged “helicopter” fruit of the maple, contains seeds which provide food for songbirds and other wildlife. Of all the trees on the east coast the red or swamp maple has the greatest North-South distribution.

Latin Name: Acer Rubrum

Habitat: Swamp

Flowers: Late Winter – Early Spring.