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Maple
Maple botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Maple

Acer spp.
In the United States: Native · also called swamp maple, water maple

Red maple offers an early spring pulse of nectar and abundant pollen that stimulates brood rearing in honeybee colonies emerging from winter. Its small red flowers bloom before leaf-out, providing resources when few other plants are available in temperate climates. It thrives in moist to wet soils and tolerates occasional flooding, with no special staking needed but protection from deer browsing recommended for young trees.

Nectarmedium
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) March–April
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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