, Maples 



29 



FIG. 18. Leaves and fruit of sugar maple (C) and Norway maple (D). 



Red and silver maples. The red maple and silver 

 maple are both soft maples. They are extensively 

 planted for shade, but like the sugar maple they grow 

 wild also in all our Eastern states, and in southeastern 

 Canada, and as far west as Kansas. You will not find 

 it easy to distinguish these maples at all times from each 

 other or from other maples. In autumn the leaves of 

 the red maple turn crimson, and where this species 

 abounds it adds much to the beauty of the woods at that 

 season. Its blossoms, which are red, open before the 

 leaves. 



The silver maple, also called " white maple/' grows 

 larger than the red maple. It is one of the most common 

 of shade trees, although not always known by its correct 

 name. The leaves are pale underneath, but not so white 

 as those of the white poplar. Its blossoms open in 

 advance of its leaves, before most kinds of trees show 

 signs of life. 



Experience has shown that the silver maple, in spite 



