170 



MAPLES. 



34. — Dwarf Maple. {Acer glabrum, Torrey.) 



As indicated by its name, this species is seldom more than a shrub 3 

 to 6 feet high ; occasionally it reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet, with a 

 diameter of 4 to 6 inches. It is widely distributed throughout the Rocky 

 Mountain region (on Pacific coast to British Columbia), growing along 

 water-courses, in sheltered canyons, and on moist slopes ; said to reach 

 its best development in w^estern New Mexico and eastern Arizona. 

 The wood is heavy and hard. It is a very hardy tree and considerably 

 used for ornamental planting. 



Desenjjiion. — Loaves somewhat kidney-sliapecl, 3-lobod to 3 parted ; divisions tliem- 

 Selves somewhat 3-lobed, middle one wedge-shaped, short, broad, margin sharx^ly cut 

 and toothed; smooth botli sides. Generally branching from the ground. 



35. — Acer grandidentatum, Nuttall. 



A small and rather rare tree, found growing along water courses in 

 western Montana and southern New Mexico (also in eastern Arizona 

 and central Utah). It is seldom more than 20 feet in height and 4 to 10 

 inches in diameter. The wood is heavy and hard. 



Description.—JjesiYes heart-shaped or cut straight across (truncate) at the base, 

 Somewhat deeply 3-lobed ; divisions sharp-pointed and mostly entire, but occasionally 

 with few coarse teeth ; velvety on the under surface, or sometimes smooth. 



36. — Box-elder. Ash-leaved Maple. {Negundoaceroides, Modnch.) 



One of our most widely-distributed forest trees, occurring throughout 

 the Eocky Mountain region at elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet 

 (east of the Kockies to the Atlantic coast, and north of the U. S. bound- 

 ary), preferring the more southerly ranges. It is adapted to a variety 

 of soil conditions, but generally attains its best dimensions on moist bot- 

 tom-lands and along streams. Commonly 30 to 60 feet in height and 1 to 

 3 feet in diameter. As an ornamental tree it is quite popular, being easily 

 handled and reaching a desirable size in a comparatively short time. * 

 The wood is of rather an inferior quality, being light, soft, and lacking 

 iu strength. It is little used for manufacturing purposes, except occa- 

 sionally for interior lumber, and to some extent in turnery, cooperage, 

 and for i^aper i^ulp. 



Description.— lAesbves compound, composed mostly of 3 (sometimes 5) leaflets, which 

 are ovate, pointed, often with entire margin, but usually coarsely toothed, and strongly 

 veined; smooth or occasionally downy on the under surface. The flowers appear in 

 advance of the leaves, and hang down in green, tassel-like clusters. The seeds are 

 usually very abundant, and have long, curved, veiny wings, and hang in thick clus- 

 ters on long slender stems. Young branches greenish. 



*It is also desirable as an admixture in forest planting, the heavy foliage furnish- 

 ing a good soil cover. 



