Maples are known for their autumn colors. Many species put on a display of oranges, browns, yellows, and reds every year. Here are four excellent species of maple for your landscape.
Bigleaf mapleNative Area: North America
Height: 50 to 100 feet
As the name suggests, the leaves are quite large on this tree. It has the biggest leaves of any maple; the classic palm-shape leaves can be over 12 inches wide. This large tree is an excellent shade tree for large landscapes and parks.
Hedge mapleNative Area: Europe and Asia
Height: 25 to 35 feet
The hedge maple is a great choice for the urban garden, as it does well in many severe environments: drought, salty soils, shady locations, and climates where there is ozone deficiency. It can also be used as a street tree if the power lines are high enough.
Norway mapleNative Area: Europe and Asia
Height: usually 40 to 50 feet
Known either as Norway maple or European maple, this popular species was brought to North America from Europe in the 18th century. It has since become one of the most common trees. In the right settings, this species may become invasive (侵入的), so before planting it, check to make sure it is not a problem in your region.
Hornbeam mapleNative Area: Japan
Height: 15 to 30 feet
Many species of plant within a genus have a similar appearance, but there can be surprises, as is the case with the hornbeam maple. Its leaves are nothing like what you expect from a maple. This can be a somewhat difficult plant to find for sale, but it can make a good small tree or a large shrub (灌木) in the landscape.
【小题1】What might the name of the first maple be based on?| A．Its height. | B．Its native area. |
| C．The size of its leaves. | D．The function it performs. |
| A．The bigleaf maple. | B．The hedge maple. |
| C．The norway maple. | D．The hornbeam maple. |
| A．Its leaves look like hands. |
| B．It is larger than other maples. |
| C．It is easy to find for sale at the market. |
| D．Its leaves differ from those of typical maples. |
