Maples are among the most recognized and cherished hardwood trees in North America. They play a vital economic role and are iconic symbols of autumn, showcasing stunning reds, oranges, and yellows. The maple family, Aceraceae, includes two genera: Dipteronia, which has two species found only in China, and Acer, which consists of nearly 200 species globally. The Acer genus features a variety of trees and shrubs located across the northern hemisphere. These trees thrive from Alaska and Canada down to the mountainous regions of Guatemala, with 13 species native to the United States and six tree-sized maple species found in Kentucky. Notably, the red maple (Acer rubrum) is the most prevalent tree in Kentucky's forests, accounting for 12.2% of all trees in the state.