HARDY WOODY PLANTS 153 



Acer pseudoplatanus, Sycamore Maple. A large coarse tree with large 

 coarse foliage; interesting as an occasional specimen, but of no other special 

 value; hardy and fast gro\\ing but frecjuently subject to a decay fungus caus- 

 ing large branches to break off, leaving a much deformed crown. 



Acer ptieudopIdfcDius IcopoUU, Leopold Maple. A variety of the foregoing 

 with spotted, variegated leaves which are pinkish when opening. Of no par- 

 ticular \ alue. 



Acer ruhrum. Red Maple. A common native species, abundant in swampy 

 land; the first maple to come into flower and foliage in spring and the first 

 one to show color in autumn when it turns a brilliant scarlet in the swamps 

 before any other siJecies. Good for free planting in wet ground and for mass- 

 ing in natural woods. An occasional specimen or two on home grounds, 

 especially on wet land, will not be out of place. One tree on the college 

 grounds is sixty feet tall and of fine character and proportions. 



Acer sacchariun, Sugar Maple. One of the finest native trees; retjuires 

 neither praise^ nor description. Should receive more consideration by the 

 ])lanting of gro\es as a future source of sugar. 



Acer apicaturii, Mountain Maple. Small imdershrub, growing character- 

 istically under hardwoods on cold, mountain land; not suitable for lawn or 

 park planting except in its native ecological relations, but in those special 

 conditions luisurpassed. Somewhat resembles ]'il>urnu))i acerifolium, with 

 which it is often associated. 



Acer niebohU, Siebold Maple. Small, rather shrubby Japanese species, in- 

 troduced with other Japanese species over forty years ago. Leaves have the 

 jiattern of A. japonlcum, but are snudler and form more densely foliaged 

 sprays. Crown is flatter and more spreading, the branches gracefully recurv- 

 ing. Will work in well wherever A. paJnxttum may be used. 



Actiuklia (ir(/utti. Bower AcrixmiA. The actinidias were brougiit to the 

 college from Japan about 1876 by President W. S. Clark, Professor W'illiam 

 P. Brooks, and Mr. "William "NVheeler. A considerable number of seedlings 

 were grown and tested. Many of these fruited and from time to time the 

 fruits were tested in a culinary way. The fruit is about the size of a large 

 gooseberry, which it resembles in some respects except that it is smooth and 

 of a nuich finer fla\or. These fruits make excellent jams and jellies. The 

 vine is of greater value, however, as an ornamental climber. It is of very 

 rampant growth and will comjiletely o\ernm an ordinary porch unless severe- 

 ly cut back from time to time. This heading back is best accomplished dur- 

 ing the growing season in July or August. The vines are free from disease 

 or insect attack. They would probably be more popular except for the diflfi- 

 culty of j)ro])agation. The}' grow rather slowly from layers. Probably seed 

 ])ropagation, when once understood and established, would be the most ex- 

 peditioiLs method. 



Actinidla polifc/arna. Silvekvixe. A larger, coarser vine than ^l. nnjuta, 

 and less desirable for general culture. The vines here iLsually show some 

 variegated foliage. Plants are perfectly hardy. Young plants nnist be j)ro- 

 tected from depredation of cats. Cats have for these plants an even more 

 violent appetite than for the familiar catnip and devour all new growths 

 \vithin their reach. 



Aesculus ylabra. Ohio Buckeye. One fine specimen of this species is 



