MAPLE TREE ID

notice that your horse has consumed downed leaves from any maple tree (leaves from other maple species, including the sugar maple and silver maple, may also contain toxins), his survival depends on the fastest possible veterinary care. Here’s what to do:

Red maple trees are widespread throughout the eastern United States. The leaves are three- to five-lobed and green, with bright red stems and silver-white undersides. In spring, the tree produces bright red buds, and in fall the leaves are typically fiery scarlet, although different varieties may produce bright yellow or orange foliage. Other maple species, especially sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum), may also pose a threat.

Cultivars and hybrids of all these species may be toxic. Trees whose leaves remain red throughout the summer, such as the Japanese red maple (Acer palmatum) and the “Crimson King” cultivar of the Norway maple (Acer platanoides), are not believed to be toxic.