Sunday, July 16, 2017

Paperbark maple, in situ

My SO and I stopped at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library for an art festival, but I became totally distracted by a tree outside the entrance. A little research reveals that it is an Acer griseum, a.k.a. paperbark maple. It's not native, but it sure is pretty, especially in fall and winter. It is also a good height for my ranch house (I don't like towering giants). I'm not sure where I would put it, but it is going on my list.

This bark screams WINTER INTEREST

From the shape of the leaves, I would not have guessed this is a maple. Fortunately, its seeds are difficult to germinate, so it shouldn't run rampant through nature preserves.

Leaves and winged samaras

If I had known the leaves are gray with fine hairs underneath, I would have tried photographing them.

See the birdie?

No known habitat for local wildlife, but don't tell that to this mourning dove.

1 comment:

Allen County Public Library said...

Hey there! Thank you for the kind words about our trees. Hope you enjoyed your visit!