This large tree is fairly common in the Mountains of North Carolina, a rare escape from cultivation in the Piedmont. It is also commonly planted throughout the state because of its brilliant fall colors and attractive form, but seldom escapes.

The leaves are similar to those of the Southern Sugar Maple, but larger and either glabrous (smooth) or pubescent only on the veins.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.

The bark of young trees is smooth, but it is broken into plates on older trees.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/06.