Ailanthus. Tree of HeavenAilanthus. Tree of Heaven1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/8.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Staminate inflorescence, × 1/4.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Ailanthus. Tree of Heaven
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/8.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Staminate inflorescence, × 1/4.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/8.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Staminate inflorescence, × 1/4.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/8.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Staminate inflorescence, × 1/4.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/8.
3. Leaflet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate inflorescence, × 1/4.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A handsome, rapid-growing, short-lived tree, attaining a height of 50-70 feet and a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet, with a spreading, rather loose and open crown and a coarse, blunt spray.
LEAVES.—Alternate, pinnately compound, 1-3 feet long. Leaflets 11-41 in number, 2-6 inches long and about one-third as broad; ovate-lanceolate; entire with the exception of two or more coarse, glandular teeth at the base; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath, turning a clear yellow in autumn or falling without change; ill-scented. Petioles smooth, terete, swollen at the base.
FLOWERS.—June, when the leaves are full grown; polygamo-dioecious; small, yellow-green, borne in upright panicles 6-12 inches or more in length; calyx 5-lobed; petals 5, greenish, hairy; stamens 10. Staminate flowers ill-scented, pistillate almost free from odor.
FRUIT.—October; 1-celled, 1-seeded samaras, spirally twisted, reddish or yellow-green, borne in crowded clusters.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds about 1/8 inch long, subglobose, brownish, downy.
BARK.—Twigs yellowish to red-brown, velvety-downy; thin, grayish and shallowly fissured on old trunks.
WOOD.—Soft, weak, of coarse and open grain, pale yellow, satiny, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
NOTES.—A native of China, but naturalized in the United States and planted frequently in southern Michigan as a foliage tree. Only the pistillate trees should be planted, as these are almost free from the objectionable odor of the staminate trees. The smoke and dust of our large cities have little effect on the foliage, and the trees are perfectly hardy in the southern part of the state.
Striped Maple.Moosewood.WhistlewoodStriped Maple. Moosewood. Whistlewood1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Vertical section of staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Vertical section of pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
Striped Maple.Moosewood.Whistlewood
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Vertical section of staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Vertical section of pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Vertical section of staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Vertical section of pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Vertical section of staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Vertical section of pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Vertical section of staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
7. Vertical section of pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruit, × 3/4.
HABIT.—A small tree at best, more often a large shrub, seldom attaining a height of more than 30 feet, with a short trunk 5-8 inches through. The striped, upright branches form a rather compact crown.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 5-6 inches long and nearly as broad; 3-lobed above the middle with short, tapering lobes; palmately 3-nerved; sharply doubly serrate; rounded or heart-shaped at the base; glabrous, yellow-green above, paler beneath, turning pale yellow in autumn; petioles stout, grooved.
FLOWERS.—May-June, when the leaves are nearly full grown; usually monoecious; large, bright yellow, bell-shaped, in slender, drooping racemes 4-6 inches long; calyx 5-parted; petals 5; stamens 7-8; ovary downy.
FRUIT.—Ripens in autumn; glabrous, paired samaras in long, drooping, racemose clusters, the wings 3/4 inch long, widely divergent, and marked on one side of each nutlet by a small cavity.
WINTER-BUDS.—Bright red; terminal bud nearly 1/2 inch long, short-stalked, with bud-scales keeled; lateral buds smaller, appressed.
BARK.—Twigs light green, mottled with black, smooth; trunk and branches red-brown, marked longitudinally by broad, pale stripes.
WOOD.—Light, soft, close-grained, pinkish brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Abundant in the Upper Peninsula, extending southward as far as Roscommon County in the Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Cool, rocky or sandy woods, usually in the shade of other trees.
NOTES.—In the Northwoods the green shoots are browsed by deer and moose. Valued mostly for its aesthetic qualities. Of little or no economic value.
Mountain MapleMountain Maple1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Mountain Maple
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A bushy tree sometimes 25-30 feet high, with a short trunk 6-8 inches in diameter; small, upright branches form a small, rounded crown. More often a straggling shrub.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 4-5 inches long and two-thirds as broad; 3-lobed above the middle, the lobes coarsely crenate-serrate with pointed teeth, the sinuses usually wide-angled and acute at the base; thin; glabrous, dark green above, covered with a whitish down beneath, turning scarlet and orange in autumn; veining prominent; petioles long, slender, with enlarged base.
FLOWERS.—June, after the leaves are full grown; polygamo-monoecious; small, yellow-green; in erect, slightly compound, many-flowered, long-stemmed, terminal racemes; calyx downy, 5-lobed; petals 5; stamens 7-8; ovary tomentose.
FRUIT.—July; bright red, turning brown in late autumn; small, glabrous, paired samaras, in pendulous, racemose clusters.
WINTER-BUDS.—Small, flattish, acute, bright red, more or less tomentose; the terminal 1/8 inch long, containing the flowers.
BARK.—Twigs reddish, slightly hairy; very thin, red-brown, smooth or slightly furrowed on the trunk.
WOOD.—Light, soft, close-grained, light brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common in the Upper Peninsula; extends as far south as Saginaw Bay.
HABITAT.—Damp forests; rocky woods; along streams; always in the shade of other trees.
NOTES.—Forms much of the undergrowth of our northern forests. Little used, except for fire-wood.
Sugar Maple.Hard Maple.Rock MapleSugar Maple. Hard Maple. Rock Maple1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
Sugar Maple.Hard Maple.Rock Maple
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A stately tree 60-100 feet in height, with a trunk diameter of 3-4 feet; in the open forming stout, upright branches near the ground, in forests making remarkably clean trunks to a good height; the crown is a broad, round-topped dome.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 3-5 inches long and broad; usually 5-lobed (sometimes 3-lobed), the lobes sparingly wavy-toothed, the sinuses broad and rounded at the base; thin and firm; opaque, dark green above, lighter and glabrous beneath, turning yellow and red in autumn; petioles long, slender.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; polygamo-monoecious or dioecious; on thread-like, hairy pedicels in nearly sessile corymbs; greenish yellow; calyx campanulate, 5-lobed; corolla 0; stamens 7-8; ovary hairy.
FRUIT.—September-October, germinating the following spring; paired samaras, glabrous, with wings about 1 inch long, diverging slightly.
WINTER-BUDS.—Small, acute, red-brown, glabrous or somewhat pubescent toward the apex, the terminal 1/4 inch long, the lateral smaller, appressed.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, pale brown, becoming gray and smooth on the branches; old trunks dark gray, deeply furrowed, often cleaving up at one edge in long, thick plates.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, close-grained, tough, durable, light brown, with thin, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Found throughout the entire state.
HABITAT.—Prefers moist, rich soil in valleys and uplands and moist, rocky slopes.
NOTES.—The most important hardwood in Michigan. The tree which produces the bulk of the maple sugar of the market.
Black Maple.Black Sugar MapleBlack Maple. Black Sugar Maple1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
Black Maple.Black Sugar Maple
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A stately tree, sometimes reaching a height of 80 feet, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; branches stout, forming a broad, rounded, symmetrical crown.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, concave, 5-7 inches across, the breadth usually exceeding the length; usually 5-lobed at maturity, the two lower lobes being small, often reduced to a mere curve in the outline, the pointed lobes undulate or entire and narrowed from the broad, shallow sinuses; thick and firm; glabrous above, downy beneath; petioles stout, usually pendent, tomentose. The sides of the larger leaves often droop giving to the tree an air of depression.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; in nearly sessile, umbel-like corymbs; about 1/4 inch long, yellow, on slender, hairy pedicels 2-3 inches long; calyx campanulate, pilose, 5-lobed; corolla 0; stamens 7-8; ovary hairy.
FRUIT.—Ripens in autumn; glabrous, paired samaras, clustered on drooping pedicels; wings set wide apart, but only slightly diverging.
WINTER-BUDS.—Small, ovoid, acute, with dark red-brown, acute scales, hoary-pubescent on the outer surface.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, pale gray; becoming thick, deeply furrowed and sometimes almost black on the trunk.
WOOD.—Hard, heavy, strong, close-grained, creamy white, with thin, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Lower Peninsula, south-eastern portion.
HABITAT.—Prefers low, moist, rich soil of river-bottoms, but does well on gravelly soils and uplands.
NOTES.—Very variable. A very good shade tree because of its dense foliage. It is claimed by some that the finest grades of maple sugar are made from the sap of this tree.
Silver Maple.Soft MapleSilver Maple. Soft Maple1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/2.
Silver Maple.Soft Maple
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruit, × 1/2.
HABIT.—A beautiful tree, growing to a height of 60-80 feet, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet, usually separating near the ground into 3-4 upright stems which are destitute of branches for a considerable distance. Usually the long, slender branches bend downwards, but with their tips ascending in a graceful curve. Crown broad, especially in its upper portion.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 3-6 inches long and nearly as broad; usually 5-lobed by narrow, acute sinuses which extend nearly to the midrib, the lobes often sublobed, sharply toothed; light green above, silvery white beneath, turning pale yellow in autumn; petioles long, slender, drooping.
FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; polygamo-monoecious or dioecious; small, yellow-green, in crowded, sessile umbels; calyx 5-lobed (sometimes each lobe again divided); corolla 0; stamens 3-7; ovary hairy.
FRUIT.—May, germinating as soon as it reaches the ground; paired samaras, large, glabrous, curving inwards, one samara often aborted.
WINTER-BUDS.—Dark red, blunt; the terminal about 1/4 inch long, with bud-scales often apiculate at the apex; flower-buds clustered on side spurs.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, red-gray, lustrous; young trunks gray, smooth; old trunks dark gray, more or less furrowed, separating into thin, loose scales.
WOOD.—Hard, strong, close-grained, rather brittle, perishable, pale brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Lower Peninsula south of Saginaw Bay.
HABITAT.—Prefers low, rich bottom-lands, subject to occasional inundation, but not in swamps.
NOTES.—A rapid grower, adapting itself to a variety of soils. Does not do well on dry, elevated ground. The first tree to blossom in early spring.
Red Maple.Soft MapleRed Maple. Soft Maple1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Fascicle of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Fascicle of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
Red Maple.Soft Maple
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Fascicle of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Fascicle of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Fascicle of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Fascicle of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Fascicle of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Fascicle of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 3/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Fascicle of staminate flowers, × 1.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Fascicle of pistillate flowers, × 1.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruit, × 3/4.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, occasionally in swamps 60-75 feet; trunk 1-3 feet in diameter; upright branches, which form a low, rather narrow, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 3-4 inches long and nearly as broad; 3-5-lobed by broad, acute sinuses, the lobes irregularly doubly serrate or toothed; glabrous, green above, whitish and generally glabrous beneath, turning bright scarlet in autumn; petioles long, slender.
FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; polygamo-monoecious or dioecious; in few-flowered fascicles on shoots of the previous year, the pistillate red, the staminate orange; sepals 4-5; petals 4-5; stamens 5-8; ovary smooth.
FRUIT.—May-June, germinating immediately after reaching the ground; samaras small, on drooping pedicels 2-4 inches long; wings about 1 inch long, diverging at about a right angle.
WINTER-BUDS.—Dark red, blunt; terminal bud about 1/8 inch long, with bud-scales rounded at the apex; flower-buds clustered on side spurs.
BARK.—Twigs bright red, lustrous, becoming smooth and light gray on the branches; old trunks dark gray, ridged, separating into plate-like scales.
WOOD.—Heavy, close-grained, not strong, light brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Throughout the entire state.
HABITAT.—Prefers swamp-lands or banks of streams; rarely found on hillsides.
NOTES.—A valuable shade and ornamental tree. Sugar has been made in small quantities from the sap.
Norway MapleNorway Maple1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Raceme of staminate flowers, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Raceme of pistillate flowers, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1/2.
Norway Maple
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Raceme of staminate flowers, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Raceme of pistillate flowers, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Raceme of staminate flowers, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Raceme of pistillate flowers, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Raceme of staminate flowers, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Raceme of pistillate flowers, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Raceme of staminate flowers, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Raceme of pistillate flowers, × 1/2.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1/2.
HABIT.—A tall, handsome tree, with a height of 40-60 feet, and a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet, having a round, spreading crown of stout branches, resemblingA. saccharum. Twigs coarse.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 5-7 inches broad, and almost as long; thin; 5-7-lobed at maturity, lobes remotely coarse-toothed with the teeth drawn out into filamentous points, separated by rounded, scallop-like sinuses; glabrous, bright green both sides, turning pale yellow in autumn; petioles long, slender, exuding a milky juice when cut.
FLOWERS.—May-June, before or with the leaves; dioecious; large, yellow-green, in erect, short, flat racemes; sepals 5; petals 5; stamens 8.
FRUIT.—Ripens in autumn and germinates the following spring; pendent on long stalks; large, glabrous, paired samaras, with wings 2 inches long, diverging by nearly 180°.
WINTER-BUDS.—Yellow-green, red or dull red-brown; terminal bud about 1/4 inch long, broad, short-stalked, with bud-scales strongly keeled; lateral buds small, appressed; buds exuding a milky juice when cut.
BARK.—Twigs lustrous, light brown to greenish; trunk dark gray, becoming closely fissured, not scaly.
WOOD.—Moderately heavy, hard, close-grained, whitish or brownish, with white sapwood.
NOTES.—Exotic from Europe. Extensively planted in cities for its abundant shade. The roots strike deep and spread laterally, enabling the tree to hold its own in a city environment. It holds its leaves two weeks longer in autumn than do our native maples. A rapid grower.
Sycamore MapleSycamore Maple1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Perfect flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1/2.
Sycamore Maple
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Perfect flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Perfect flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Perfect flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Perfect flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1/2.
HABIT.—A thrifty tree 50-60 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; the crown roundish, spreading.
LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 4-7 inches across, and as long as broad; thick; pentagonally 5-lobed, the lobes more or less ovate, separated by very narrow, acute sinuses extending about half-way to the midrib, the lobes coarsely and irregularly blunt-serrate, crenate-serrate, or slightly lobed; upper surface dark green and shining, somewhat wrinkled, but paler dull green and glaucous beneath; petioles long, stout.
FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; polygamo-monoecious; large, greenish yellow, in pendent racemes of umbellate cymes of about three each; sepals 5; petals 5; stamens 8, hairy; ovary hairy.
FRUIT.—Ripens in autumn and germinates the following spring; pendent on long stalks; large, glabrous, paired samaras, with wings 1-1/2 inches long, diverging at about a right angle.
WINTER-BUDS.—Bright green; terminal bud 1/4-1/2 inch long, ovoid to subglobose, blunt, with bud-scales more or less keeled; lateral buds small, divergent.
BARK.—Twigs lustrous, brown or gray, becoming slate colored on the branches; trunk gray or brownish, smooth or flaking off in short scales.
WOOD.—Moderately heavy, hard, compact, brownish, with white sapwood.
NOTES.—Exotic from Europe. Much planted in our cities, where it is thrifty, but short-lived. The crown is rather too broad for planting anywhere except on our widest streets. The leaves last two weeks longer in autumn than do those of our native maples.
Boxelder.Ash-leaved MapleBoxelder. Ash-leaved Maple1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Boxelder.Ash-leaved Maple
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A sturdy little tree 30-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet. Trunk often divides near the ground into several stout, wide-spreading branches, forming a broad, unsymmetrical, open crown.
LEAVES.—Opposite, pinnately compound. Leaflets 3-5 in number, 2-4 inches long, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches broad; ovate or oval; nearly entire, irregularly and remotely coarse-toothed above the middle, or sometimes 3-lobed (often giving the leaflet a jagged outline); apex acute, base variable; glabrous or somewhat pubescent at maturity, with prominent veins. Petioles slender, 2-3 inches long, the enlarged base leaving prominent crescent-shaped scars partly surrounding the winter-buds.
FLOWERS.—April, before or with the leaves; dioecious; small, yellow-green; the staminate in clusters on long, thread-like, hairy pedicels; the pistillate in narrow, drooping racemes; calyx hairy, 5-lobed; corolla 0; stamens 4-6; ovary pubescent.
FRUIT.—Early summer, but hanging until late autumn or early spring; narrow, flat, winged samaras, in pairs, clustered in drooping, racemose clusters.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/8-1/4 inch long, acute, inclosed in two dull red scales, often hoary or minutely pubescent; lateral buds obtuse, appressed.
BARK.—Twigs greenish to purple, glaucous; trunk pale gray or light brown, deeply cleft into broad ridges.
WOOD.—Light, soft, close-grained, weak, creamy white, with thick, hardly distinguishable sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Lower Peninsula as far north as Saginaw Bay.
HABITAT.—Banks of streams and borders of swamps. Prefers deep, moist soil.
NOTES.—Accommodates itself to almost any situation. Easily transplanted. Much planted for shade and ornament. Fast-growing, but short-lived.
Horse-chestnutHorse-chestnut1. Winter twig, × 3/4.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 1.5. Fruit, × 1/2.
Horse-chestnut
1. Winter twig, × 3/4.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 1.5. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 3/4.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 1.5. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 3/4.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 1.5. Fruit, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 3/4.
2. Leaf, × 1/6.
3. Leaflet, × 1/2.
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HABIT.—A handsome tree, with a height of 40-60 feet and a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet, forming a broad, conical crown. The regularly occurring branches ascend from the trunk at first, gradually bend downwards as they lengthen, and end in a thick, upturning spray.
LEAVES.—Opposite, digitately compound. Leaflets usually 7, rarely 5, 5-7 inches long, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches broad; obovate, wedge-shaped at the base; irregularly and bluntly serrate; thick; rough, dark green above, paler beneath, turning a rusty yellow in autumn. Petioles long, grooved, swollen at the base.
FLOWERS.—May-June, after the leaves; polygamo-monoecious; large, whitish, in showy, upright, terminal thyrses 8-12 inches long; pedicels jointed, 4-6-flowered; calyx campanulate, 5-lobed; petals 5, white, spotted with yellow and red, clawed; stamens 7, thread-like, longer than the petals.
FRUIT.—October; a leathery, globular capsule about 2 inches in diameter, roughened with short spines; containing 1-3 large, smooth, lustrous, brown nuts, marked by large, pale scars.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal buds 1-1-1/2 inches long, acute, brownish, covered with glistening, resinous gum; inner scales yellowish, becoming 1-1/2-2 inches long in spring, remaining until the leaves are nearly half grown.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, red-brown; trunk dark brown and broken into thin plates by shallow fissures; rich in tannin, bitter.
WOOD.—Light, soft, close-grained, weak, whitish, with thin, light brown sapwood.
NOTES.—A native of Greece, extensively cultivated throughout Europe and America, where it is a favorite shade tree. A double-flowered variety,Aesculus hippocastanum, v. flòre plèno, which bears no fruit is a common garden form.
Ohio BuckeyeOhio Buckeye1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 2.5. Fruit, × 1/2.6. Nut, × 1/2.
Ohio Buckeye
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 2.5. Fruit, × 1/2.6. Nut, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 2.5. Fruit, × 1/2.6. Nut, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/6.3. Leaflet, × 1/2.4. Flower, × 2.5. Fruit, × 1/2.6. Nut, × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/6.
3. Leaflet, × 1/2.
4. Flower, × 2.
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HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 30-50 feet in height, with a trunk not over 2 feet in diameter; usually much smaller; slender, spreading branches, forming a broad, rounded crown; twigs thick.
LEAVES.—Opposite, digitately compound. Leaflets usually 5, rarely 7, 3-6 inches long, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches broad; ovate or oval, gradually narrowed to the entire base; irregularly and finely serrate; glabrous, yellow-green above, paler beneath, turning yellow in autumn. Petioles 4-6 inches long, slender, enlarged at the base. Foliage ill-smelling when bruised.
FLOWERS.—April-May, after the leaves; polygamo-monoecious; small, yellow-green, in terminal panicles 5-6 inches long and 2-3 inches broad, more or less downy; pedicels 4-6-flowered; calyx campanulate, 5-lobed; petals 4, pale yellow, hairy, clawed; stamens 7, with long, hairy filaments.
FRUIT.—October; a thick, leathery, prickly capsule, about 1 inch in diameter, containing a single large, smooth, lustrous, brown nut. A large pale scar gives the name “Buckeye.”
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal buds 2/3 inch long, acute, resinous, brownish; inner scales yellow-green, becoming 1-1/2-2 inches long in spring and remaining until the leaves are nearly half grown.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, red-brown, becoming ashy gray; old trunks densely furrowed and broken into thick plates; ill-smelling when bruised.
WOOD.—Light, soft, close-grained, weak, whitish, with thin, light brown sapwood.
NOTES.—A native of the Mississippi River Valley. Occasionally planted in southern Michigan for ornamental purposes, but is less popular than the Horse-chestnut.