The official name of Rhode Island is “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” In size, it is the smallest of the American states, but it does have the longest name. Despite the use of “island” in its name, Rhode Island is attached to the mainland and has only a few islands located in Narragansett Bay.
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Acer rubrum - The red maple is one of the most recognized trees in the United States and Canada. The leaves, petioles, seeds, and twigs have some form of red coloration. It is a hardy tree, able to thrive in a wide variety of soil conditions; from dry to swampy. The red maple grows to 15 meters and has a life span of approximately 150 years, reaching full maturity at about 75 years. The tree is grown for ornamental purposes, used in the commercial lumber business, and is one of the three primary trees providing maple syrup.
