Acer is the Latin generic name for the maple tree.

However, the word also means sharp or pointed. This can refer, for example, to the leaf shape of the pointed maple or mountain maple. In the past, maple wood was also used to make spears.

There are around 150 species of the maple genus worldwide - from small shrubs to large trees.

Maples are deciduous trees or shrubs. As a tree, the maple is a stately avenue and park tree with the greatest height of approx. 30 meters; largest species: sycamore, Norway maple, silver maple, native to Europe, West Asia, Canada.

Maples have a wide variety of leaf shapes from lobed, palmate to feathery filigree, brilliant autumn colors (Indian summer) and are - also with their bark markings - picturesque design elements in landscapes, parks and ornamental gardens.

The Graubünden sycamore was the most important symbol of state and freedom in Switzerland.