As the warmth of summer fills our days, the canopy cover of trees provides welcome respite from the heat. With a spreading crown and thick branches covered with a profusion of foliage, mosses, lichens and ferns, the bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) stands out as a true gem among shade trees.
In the latest Arboretum Bulletin, nature educator Theodore Hoss profiles this majestic native species, discussing its natural and cultural history (including its use by Native Americans and its potential as a source of maple syrup), and its importance to our urban forest.
