Maples 



one piece. In ordinary 

 locations it is not so 

 desirable a shade tree 

 as some of the other 

 maples, but it grows 

 rapidly and may be 

 planted in sandy or 

 gravelly soil, where 

 most other trees do 

 not thrive. The box 

 elder is distinguished 

 from other trees with 

 opposite leaves by the 

 green bark of the young 

 shoots. This tree is 

 rare east of the Appa- 

 lachians, but can be 

 found in most parts of 

 the United States with 



FIG. 19. Leaves and fruit of the ash-leaved 

 maple or "box elder." This maple, unlike 

 the other members of the family, has com- 

 pound leaves. 



the exception of the states in the northwestern portion. 



The maple family. Nearly one hundred species of 

 maples are known in the wild state, most of them grow- 

 ing in the north temperate zone. Some are found on 

 mountains, others on ground that is low and wet. Most 

 species thrive best in rich, moist soil. They differ 

 greatly in size ; some of the Japanese species, which are 

 cultivated in this country on account of the rich colors 

 of the finely divided foliage, seem like dwarfs when 

 compared with our great sugar maples, which tower to 

 a height of 100 feet. 



Considering their wide distribution, the great number 



