Red maple Acer rubrum has the widest range of the eastern hardwood timber species. This tree can be found from Canada to Louisiana and Maine to the Mississippi. This species has spread widely due to human interference, once limited to wet sites and swampy areas due to natural forest fires. Red maples can be found in every forest type. It is also a popular landscape tree for its site tolerance and beautiful red fall color.

The sapwood is whites in color with a smooth grain structure and medium density. The heart wood is reddish to brown in color. The sapwood is a favorite for cabinet makers, butcher block countertops, and flooring. Recently it has been used for baseball bats since white ash Fraxinus americana is on the demise.