Red Maples in Bloom

Spring is in full bloom at the Sanctuary! The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is one of the first native trees to flower in spring and their blooms provide an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. An individual tree may have all male flowers, all female flowers, or a combination of male flowers on some branches and female flowers on others. After female flowers are pollinated they develop seed clusters called samaras, otherwise known as the helicopter seeds beloved by children and playful nature lovers alike. 

Photo by Laura Berry.