East and Central North America. Broadly columnar, deciduous. Clusters of small red flowers before the leaves. Bluey-white under the leaves, which turn bright red in autumn. Prefers moist soils and will tolerate swampy soils.

East North America. Broadly columnar, deciduous. Grows in moist soils and riverbanks in its native habitat. Vigorous grower. Attractive autumn tints. Maple timber is highly prized in the USA for flooring.

N.E.China. Broadly spreading,deciduous. Three leaflets, turning orange and red in autumn. Grey-brown bark peeling vertically. Small yellow flowers in spring. Rare in NZ.

Albania and Nth Greece. Broadly conical, deciduous. Large palmate compound leaves produce a dense shade. Large creamy white flowers, then prickly oval fruits, enclosing polished conkers prized by schoolboys in the UK. Best in fertile soils.