Spring Maple Blossom

Acer is a genus of trees or shrubs commonly known as maple. The word Acer derives from a Latin word meaning "sharp" (compare "acerbic"), referring to the characteristic points on maple leaves. It was first applied to the genus by the French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in 1700.

A maple leaf is on the coat of arms of Canada, and is on the Canadian flag. The maple is a common symbol of strength and endurance and has been chosen as the national tree of many countries including Canada.

Maple leaves are traditionally an important part of Canadian Forces military regalia. In the literary world, the word maple was first published in Geoffery Chaucer's "The Knights Tale" on line 2,065, spelled as "mapul".

Maples are a popular choice for the art of bonsai. Japanese maple, Trident maple and Montpellier maple are popular choices and respond well to techniques that encourage leaf reduction and ramification, but most species can be used.