The maple family, also referred to as the Aceraceae family, is a group of deciduous trees and shrubs that are beloved for their stunning foliage and syrup production. Synonyms for the term "maple family" include Acer family, Aceroideae family, and Sapindaceae family. The scientific name for the maple family, Aceraceae, is derived from the genus Acer, which encompasses the majority of species within the family. While the primary characteristic of the maple family is the presence of characteristic leaves with lobed margins, the family also includes the box elder tree, which has compound leaves. The maple family is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and includes a vast array of species known for their beauty and utilitarian purposes.