A maple is a hardwood tree of the genus Acer.. Maples are known for their sweet sap which makes maple syrup, their vivid fall color, and their scenic forms. Maples have lobed palmate leaves, as do many other trees. However maples are distinguished in that their leaves are opposite each other on the stem. They also have those swirly seeds called samuras. Maples are common in the Eastern US, others grow in the western US, especially the mountainous areas. Maples are also common in Europe. The band Everclear has a song called the fire maple song.