Red maple is a fast-growing tree, with a rapid growth rate of up to two feet per year. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate atmospheric pollution. Red maple is easily identifiable by its leaves, which turn a brilliant shade of red in the autumn. Its bark is a pale gray when the tree is young and darkens with age, cracking into slightly raised long plates. It is known for its adaptability to a wide range of site conditions and is found throughout eastern North America. The tree is commonly used as a shade tree due to its pleasing form and attractive fall foliage. It is also commercially used for furniture and flooring, as well as for making maple syrup. Its fast growth rate and tolerance to atmospheric pollution make it an ideal tree for many landscapes.