Acer is a genus of about 120 species of maple trees and shrubs. Offering a wide range of choices for size, growth habit, leaf shape and brilliant fall color, maples are frequently found in residential and commercial landscapes, as well as parks and other public places. Many species, including the popular Japanese maple (A. palmatum) are native to Asia. However, some of the most commonly grown – red maple (A. rubrum), silver maple (A. saccharinum) and sugar maple (A. saccharum) – are native to North America.