Tree to 20 m or more tall. Bark grey and furrowed. Leaves 7-15 cm wide, with 3-5 lobes, each tapered to a point, with many small and 2-3 larger teeth, pale beneath; red to orange or yellow in autumn. Stalks mostly 5-8 cm long. Flowers yellowish, appearing with or slightly before the leaves. Fruit 2.5-4 cm long with the wings more or less upturned into a u shape, often not produced.

The floral emblem of Canada.

USA.

Maple syrup manufactured from the sap.

VIC: Dandenongs ('Pirianda').

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Aceraceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.