The Red Maple is found in the Eastern US. It is typically considered a wetland and swamp species. It is usually found growing in association with black ash, American elm, and pin oak in swamp lands. It may also occur in upland situations, provided the soil is moist. The hard, close-grained wood is rated next to sugar maple in importance and is used in much the same way. This tree is a medium sized tree reaching 15-21 meters high, and 50-80 centimeters in diameter. It is shade-tolerant and usually long-lived. It is the only maple tree that flowers in the winter. The Red Maple tree has smooth gray young bark, along with broken darker bark when the tree has aged. The leaves are whitened and hairless or hairy underneath. Its twigs and buds are reddish in color, and its red flowers are umbrella-clusters with twigs. This tree is a preferred deer food, and is often reduced in regeneration in areas with a high deer population.