Other common names: The silver maple is sometimes known as _soft maple_
or _white maple_.


RED MAPLE (_Acer rubrum_)

[Illustration: FIG. 28.--Terminal Twig of Silver Maple.]

Distinguishing characters: The *bark is smooth and light gray*, like
that of the beech, on the upper branches in older trees, and in
young trees over the whole trunk. Fig. 30. The buds are in clusters,
and the terminal twigs, Fig. 31, are quite red.

[Illustration: FIG. 29.--Leaf of the Silver Maple.]

Leaf: Whitish underneath with three-pointed lobes. Fig. 32.

Form and size: A medium-sized tree with a narrow, round head.

Range: Eastern North America.

Soil and location: Prefers moist places.

Enemies: Leaf blotches (_Rhytisma acerinum_) which, however, are not
very injurious.

Value for planting: Suitable as a shade tree for suburban streets. Its
rich red leaves in the fall make it attractive for the lawn.

[Illustration: FIG. 30.--Bark of the Red Maple.]