What are maple leaves. Types and varieties of maple

Maple wood is considered one of the most valuable and useful among hardwoods. The color is predominantly white or light yellow, the density is 0.57-0.67 g/cm 3 , the physical and chemical parameters are very similar to woody oak. The later layers of annual rings have dark color.

Maple products can be identified by sight: the material has unique core rays. The bending ability of maple material is high (almost like beech wood). Among the interesting features are the color change during the steaming process. The drying regime for maple must be chosen carefully, as this tree cracks and warps when it dries. Furniture is made from this tree. Well-dried wood holds its shape perfectly if it is standing indoors. Made from maple parquet board, this is facilitated by the main properties of the rock: wear resistance and high hardness. Small-leaved maple is used to make high-quality plywood, in addition, it is of interest to designers who are engaged in interior decoration apartments and houses. Mouthguards have an increased value, they are used to make beautiful elements decor. In ancient times in Russia, maple was used to create durable structures: rims, ax handles and even shoe nails. Maple is chosen for cutting on wood, sculptors create small models and figures from it. Talented artists create amazing things: they engrave the maple board, then paint the galleys and leave prints on paper. This process is called woodcutting or "wood painting" (from the Greek xylon - tree).

The largest percentage of maple trunks used in industry grow in mountain maple forests. They have III-IV classes of bonitet. Average annual growth: 1-2 m 3 / ha. Timber stocks are considered low: 120-160 m3/ha. In the period of severe frosts, damage to trees inevitably occurs and the rate of overgrowth and undergrowth increases many times, due to the drying of the crowns, an optimal level of illumination is obtained. Maple forests should be provided with appropriate care: periodic felling, including selective and clear felling, as well as narrow felling. The purpose of such cuttings is to increase the productivity of maple stands, including during their current operation (honey collection, tapping), obtaining wood and organizing conditions for a healthy stand.

Holly maple is of interest to breeders. Trees with crowns of pyramidal and spherical shapes, which have inclusions of red and white leaves, were selected and cultivated. Separately, such forms of white maple are singled out, in which an unusual structure of wood is observed. There is a direct relationship between the appearance of the bark and the internal texture of the tree. Some specimens of the tree are distinguished by the presence of small tubercles on the trunks, while their wood has an unusual pattern, which was given the original name "bird's eye". Trees whose bark is covered with medium-sized cracks during growth, as well as those whose bark falls off the trunk in large pieces, often boast a bar with a fancy wavy pattern.

White maple lumber has a correspondingly white color, often with an admixture of a brownish tint. In other breeds, a reddish color is observed, from time to time it becomes more yellow, this happens especially quickly under the influence of sunlight. Annual rings are clearly distinguished on each section. With a radial cut, light brown core rays can be observed. They resemble a mosaic of small ribbons. This creates a unique maple pattern, a special silkiness. The tangential section shows the medullary rays in the form of small lenticels, while the transverse section shows long narrow stripes.

Texture. The maple material has a homogeneous structure, annual layers are clearly visible on the radial section. In almost all trees, late wood is darker than early wood, the distribution of shade occurs according to a gradient type, there is no clear boundary. Things made of maple have a special charm due to the core rays. There are unusual patterns of wood: individual forms of white maple, in which the bark has pronounced deep cracks, have a wavy texture. Those trees that have small tubercles on their trunks can have a unique and valuable texture, which is called the "bird's eye". Most often it occurs in sugar maple (North American species). The formation of such a cunning pattern is due to dormant buds, which at the right time did not develop into an escape. There is a curly pattern of wood, which is formed in the places of forks; this texture looks especially advantageous in veneer. A rich pattern is characteristic of maple burls.

Color. Below are the digital parameters:

• tone characteristic - 582 nm;
• color purity - 41.7%;
• lordship - 41.7%.

Scope and uses

Maple is the most highly valued commercial tree (if hardwoods are considered). Since ancient times, craftsmen have distinguished maple material and have shown great respect for it. So, the notorious Trojan horse, which is described in Greek mythology, was made of maple. Among the negative characteristics, a low level of biostability and a quick color change can be noted. The last drawback can be eliminated by a simple treatment with mordants and stains.

Maple wood material has gained immense popularity in the furniture business. When properly dried, Maple has excellent shape stability characteristics when exposed indoors. Countertops for establishments Catering often made from maple. One should not lose sight of the possibility and expediency of using the material in tandem with other valuable rocks in sculpting, finishing, and creating inlays. It goes well with oak, fruit trees. It looks rich with beech, if there is no direct contact of these species in the product. Combines with metal and glass elements.

Maple veneer is used for decorative finishes a variety of parts made from less valuable breeds. Of particular value for artistic dressing is the wavy texture of wood and the bird's eye structure.

Maple parquet is valued for its high level hardness and wear resistance. Sugar maple is used to create heavy-duty surfaces: ballroom floors, bowling alleys, and so on.

Maple is an ideal material for the production of stairs and railings, as well as for decorative wall and interior decoration.

Maple veneer and its wood, due to its good resonant properties, are used for decoration and complete manufacturing of a wide variety of musical instruments, from percussion to strings. Maple is an excellent woodcarving material due to its high level of chipping resistance. This allows you to create ultra-thin trimmings, even and clear cuts. The amazing property of maple is that it will almost certainly not chip in any direction of cut. Previously, maple was often used for turning household items and utensils; literally everything was made from it: spoons, vessels, ladles. Maple raw materials were used for the production of handles of various tools, oars, planes, measuring and drawing instruments.

Mechanical, technological properties

Maple is more durable than oak. Maple wood holds screws and nails well.

Maple has good bending ability. Maple rocks are well prone to biological damage, while they are sufficiently well covered with protective compounds.

Maple wood exhibits good shape consistency and is rated as moderate to good.

When drying occurs, the wood material may crack and warp, so great importance It has right choice drying mode. Atmospheric drying of the material protected from rain and moisture is highly recommended. Maple has the ability to turn yellow when exposed to sunlight and drying at high temperatures.

Easy to work with any kind of carpentry tools for cutting and sawing, grinding, polishing; easy to glue, varnish, paintable.

Physical Properties

Humidity. Maple is the least susceptible to shrinkage along the fibers (0.5%), the highest rate for volumetric shrinkage (11.5%). These data make it possible to characterize the maple tree as medium drying out.

Density. According to the wood density guide, maple has a density of 690 kg / m 3 (a sample is considered under conditions of a standard humidity of 12%, which corresponds to the state of the tree after atmospheric drying).

maple farsighted

Under normal conditions, the bark is dark in color, ranging from moderately gray to almost jet black. Old trees are covered with a large number of shallow cracks.

False maple

False platinum maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) - the homeland of this species is considered to be the Western Caucasus, where the name from the local dialect "white sycamore" is more common. The tree itself can grow quite high, up to 30-40 m. The color of the trunk (whose diameter often reaches 12 m) is predominantly ash-gray. Such a maple is planted within the city limits, in parks and on the streets, creating fortification structures along the banks of canals and rivers.

In the North Caucasus region and on the Far Eastern land, you can find completely different varieties of maple. The following breeds grow here:

Ginnala Maple

The Acer ginnala shrub is large and can be up to 6 m in height, its trunk diameter is not too large and is 10 cm. The smooth gray bark is dotted with countless cracks.

Ash-leaved maple

Ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo) grows rapidly in the first years, the annual growth reaches up to 45 cm. Its bark is olive-green in color, over the years it becomes denser, cracks and acquires a brownish tint. The wood material of the ash-leaved maple is recognized as low-quality and serves as a raw material exclusively for the manufacture of decorative elements.

sugar maple

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) - has an exceptional height, adults reach 40 m and have a diameter of up to 50 cm. high quality, from this type cut out cutting boards. Sugar maple is durable and polishes easily; the structure can be characterized as dense, consisting of small layers. The core is slightly shiny and has a brown tint.

Thanks

Maple holly has been widely used in cooking and folk medicine since the time of the Indians, who were the first to learn not only to extract maple sap and make sugar from it, but to use the components of this tree for medicinal purposes. About what useful properties this tree possesses, how and for what diseases to use drugs from Norway maple - and we'll talk further.

Description of the maple plant

Norway maple is a deciduous tree with a wide and dense crown, belonging to the maple family and reaching a height of about 20 - 30 m. This tree can live for more than two hundred years.

It is noteworthy that the bark of young trees is colored reddish-gray, while old trees are "dressed" in gray bark, dotted with small cracks.

The five-lobed leaves of the Norway maple are quite large, about 18 cm in diameter. From above, the leaves, sitting on a long petiole, have a dark green color, while below they are lighter.

But the greenish-yellow flowers of this tree are different small size and correct form. Norway maple flowers are collected in neat corymbose inflorescences. The fruit of this tree is a flat lionfish with two wings.

In autumn, the leaves of the Norway maple turn to yellow, brown-red and brownish hues. In early spring, maple trees begin to "cry" (to secrete useful juice that flows along the branches and trunk of a tree): for example, whitish juice is released in a small amount at the points of rupture of the petiole. Maple sap is used to make sugar and syrup.

An interesting fact is that according to the "tears" of a maple one can predict the weather: if the maple "weeps", it means that it will rain in 2 - 3 hours.

Norway maple is most useful tree, the aerial part of which is used in folk medicine. In addition, it has been proven that this tree traps harmful heavy metal suspensions and benzene vapors in the air, thereby improving the current unfavorable environmental situation.

Where does it grow?

Norway maple is predominantly distributed in Eurasia. In Russia, the habitat of this tree is North Caucasus in the south, and the southern border of the taiga in the north. In general, this is a fairly common plant in all areas without exception. middle lane Russia.

It should be noted that Norway maple prefers broad-leaved or mixed forests, as well as the forest-steppe zone with moist and fertile soils. At the same time, maple grows singly or in small groups, while it rarely forms pure plantations (such plantations are mainly found on the slopes of river and lake valleys). Most often, this type of maple can be found in oak forests located near forest ravines. Maple is a frequent companion of oak and ash in Russian forests.

It is impossible not to say that the maple has found wide application in landscape gardening, where this tree is valued for its wide crown, which gives excellent shade, unpretentiousness to weather conditions (maple tolerates shading and cold well) and original foliage. So, in summer, maple pleases with lush green foliage, and in autumn - with an abundance bright colors, which replace each other before leaf fall.

Norway maple varieties

Norway maple has a large number of decorative forms that differ in color, as well as in the shape of the foliage, in the shape of the crown, trunk height and growth characteristics.

Drummond Maple (Drummondii)

It has white-edged leaves, which, when blooming, transform into pink. This type of Norway maple throughout the growing season is distinguished by a lush crown and variegated color of foliage.

Maple Globosum (Globosum)

This plant has a very dense and globular crown that doesn't need pruning. This cultivar, with its yellow-orange foliage, is used primarily for making single ornamental groups and hedges.

Maple Crimson King (Krimson King)

This type of maple has dark purple (almost black) leaves that are pleasing to the eye throughout the growing season. When blooming, it shows blood-red and burgundy leaves, which turn purple in autumn.

Maple Schwedler (Schwedlerii)

It features glossy, blood-red foliage that turns dark green when blooming.

Maple Royal red (Royal red)

This variety is popular for its decorative crown, which turns red in spring, contrasting with yellow flowers.

But if we talk about the use of Norway maple not in landscape art, but in folk medicine, then plane maple (Acer platanoides) deserves special attention, the properties, benefits and applications of which will be discussed in this article.

Norway maple (Acer platanoides)

It is the sycamore maple (hereinafter simply the Norway maple) that is rightfully considered the most famous and widespread of all its brethren.

This large deciduous tree from the Maple family, which can reach a height of 30 meters, got its name from the Latin "acer", which means "strong, sharp" (this name is most likely due to the properties of maple wood).

This tree with a dense crown, which grows wild in Europe, the Caucasus and the Balkans, dies early on dry and poor stony soils. It will not take root in the sands and salt marshes. But on moist and fertile soils, Norway maple will live for about 100 - 200 years, provided there are no such phenomena as salinity and moisture stagnation in the soil.

It should be noted that this type of maple, which begins to bear fruit at the age of 17, is distinguished by shade tolerance, wind and frost resistance: for example, the plant can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees without being damaged by either late spring or early autumn frosts.

The powerful tree trunk is covered with gray-brown bark. Maple leaves are located on thin petioles and have clearly drawn veins. Maple leaves generally have five lobes ending in pointed lobes. Greenish-yellow maple flowers are collected in neat corymbose inflorescences, placed at the ends of the branches.

Bark, young leaves, fruits and flowers have medicinal properties (seeds of the plant are less commonly used).

Collection of Norway maple

Norway maple flowers from April to May, while fruiting in September.

Harvested young foliage in the first half of summer, that is, during the budding period of the maple, it is advisable to choose foliage with thin and not very juicy petioles (it is in such petioles that the maximum amount of healing substances is contained, in addition, thick roots slow down the drying process). Only healthy leaves that are not damaged by insects or fungi are subject to collection. The leaves are dried in the sun, and then dried in the air or in a well-ventilated area.

Bark maple is collected in the spring, or rather, during increased sap flow and swelling of the kidneys. It is during this period that the bark is rich in healing substances. It is advisable to use young tree bark for medicinal purposes, since the old one contains a large amount of cork tissue and quite little active ingredients. As with the collection of foliage, preference should be given to healthy areas of the bark that are not affected by lichens and do not have darkening on the inside.

kidneys collected in early spring, when they are already swollen, but have not yet begun to grow intensively. And here are the blossoming buds healing properties practically do not have. It is important to properly dry the kidneys, for which they should be placed on long time in a cool and ventilated room, as in the warmth they will begin to bloom.
flowers, which are the most tender part of any plant, are harvested by hand at the very beginning of maple flowering (it is at this time that they contain many active substances, they withstand drying well, retaining their color and crumbling less during storage and processing).

After that, the flowers are folded in a loose and thin layer for drying, during which the raw material must be protected from direct sunlight.

All of the listed parts of Norway maple can be dried in a dryer or oven at a temperature of 50 - 60 degrees.

Dried raw materials are stored in paper or clothes bags (you can also use closed wooden containers) for two years.

Composition and properties of Norway maple

Tannins
Action:

• improve the process of digestion;
• normalize the work of the digestive tract;
• eliminate inflammation;
• fight bacteria.

alkaloids
Action:

• reduce the excitability of the central nervous system by inhibiting impulses passing through the autonomic nerve nodes;
• increase contractions of uterine smooth muscles;
• improve the functioning of the muscular system;
• stop hypertensive crises;
• normalize blood circulation;
• relieve joint pain;
• help stop bleeding;
• reduce blood pressure.

Carbohydrates and sugars

They provide the body with energy: for example, these substances contribute to the normal metabolic process, which has a positive effect on the work of all systems of the human body.

Sugars are perfectly absorbed by the human body and are quickly absorbed into the blood, which helps to restore strength in the shortest possible time. In addition, vegetable sugars normalize the concentration of glucose in the blood and increase the body's defenses.

organic acids
Action:

• carry out the biosynthesis of alkaloids, glycosides, as well as amino acids;
• improve digestion;
• slow down the course of both putrefactive and fermentation processes, which leads to regular bowel movements;
• strengthen blood vessels;
• remove toxins, heavy metals and slags;
• stimulate the formation of red blood cells;
• calm the nervous system.

Flavonoids
Action:

• reduce the fragility of capillaries and increase their elasticity;
• regulate the work of the central nervous system;
• normalize blood pressure;
• restore normal heart rhythm;
• stimulate the functions of the adrenal cortex.

Lipids
Lipids provide the biosynthesis of hormones, without which the full functioning of the nervous system cannot occur.

Fatty acid
These substances are assigned an energy function, because in the process of their decay, energy is generated. Fatty acids also perform a plastic function, according to which they are actively involved in the construction of membranes, which make up the cells of our body.

Carotene
The main task of carotene is to accumulate oxygen, which, during oxygen starvation, will be given to the cells and tissues of the human body. Carotene also strengthens the immune system and protects the body from negative impact free radicals, which significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer.

B vitamins
Action:

• normalize the work of the brain, central nervous system, cardiovascular, endocrine, muscular and digestive systems;
• provide cellular respiration;
• contribute to the synthesis of hemoglobin;
• improve lipid metabolism;
• strengthen hair, skin, nails;
• contribute to the production of so-called steroid hormones;
• promote the formation of red blood cells and antibodies;
• strengthen immunity;
• regulate the functions of the hematopoietic organs;
• reduce the manifestation of allergic reactions;
• normalize arterial pressure;
• prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Vitamin C
Action:

• normalizes the work of the central nervous system;
• stimulates the functions of the endocrine glands;
• contributes to the assimilation of required element like iron;
• normalizes the process of hematopoiesis;
• removes harmful compounds that can provoke the development of malignant tumors.

Vitamin E
Action:

• reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by preventing the formation of blood clots;
• normalizes the functions of the reproductive system;
• relieves menopausal syndrome;
• accelerates wound healing;
• regulates the biosynthesis of both RNA and proteins.

Protein
Action:

• improves immunity;
• participates in the construction of muscle tissue;
• provides the synthesis of hormones and various enzymes.

Cellulose
Action:

• restores intestinal microflora;
• promotes the production of B vitamins;
• reduces the development of putrefactive and fermentation processes;
• normalizes metabolism;
• reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• improves blood flow directly in the pelvic vessels;
• normalizes the functions of the genitourinary system.

Norway maple properties

• Choleretic;
• diuretic;
• painkiller;
• restorative;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• antiseptic;
• astringent;
• antiscorbutic;
• antiemetic;
• tonic;
• antibacterial;
• antipyretic.

Benefits of Norway Maple

1. Energizes and invigorates, helping to increase tone.
2. Enhances the effect of drugs.
3. It has an antibacterial effect against gram-negative as well as gram-positive bacteria and viruses.
4. Helps enhance wound healing.
5. Takes away the heat.
6. Eliminates joint pain.
7. Strengthens immunity.
8. Promotes crushing of stones both in the bladder and in the kidneys.
9. Strengthens hair follicles.
10. Relieves inflammation.
11. Removes sand from the kidneys.

It cannot be said that Norway maple is a storehouse of antioxidants, among which there are also polyphenols that accelerate the recovery process of cancer patients.

The content of fructose in the plant makes it possible to use condensed maple sap for people suffering from obesity and diabetes.

Treatment with Norway Maple

What heals?

Norway maple preparations help to cure the following disorders and diseases:

• wounds;
• abrasions;
• cold;
• kidney disease;
• bronchitis;
• diseases of ENT organs;
• pneumonia;
• viral infections;
• hepatitis;
• radiculitis;
• inflammatory liver disease;
• nephrolithiasis;
• scurvy;
• stomatitis;
• inflammation of the gums;
• renal colic;
• bladder disease;
• diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• ulcers;
• bleeding.

Norway maple bark

Maple bark is used as an astringent for diarrhea, while a weak solution of ash, which is obtained from the bark of the tree, is rubbed into the scalp to promote hair growth. The bark of Norway maple roots also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Leaves

Maple leaves help relieve fever, tone the body and strengthen the immune system. In addition, ground freshly picked leaves of the tree are used as dressings and compresses applied to damaged areas of the skin. An infusion or decoction of maple leaves will help with renal colic and bladder diseases.

Fruit

This part of Norway maple is used for urolithiasis and kidney diseases as a tonic, as well as for colds, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and bronchitis as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, diuretic and expectorant.

flowers

The flowers are used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal disorders.

The use of Norway maple

Decoction

A decoction of maple leaves is used for diseases of the kidneys and nasopharynx, for diseases of the bronchial tree, pneumonia, as well as viral infections, acute respiratory infections and hepatitis. A decoction of leaves and seeds is prescribed for diseases of the kidneys and upper respiratory tract.

To prepare a decoction, a tablespoon of dry chopped raw materials is poured into one glass of water and boiled for half an hour. The cooled and strained broth is brought to the original volume with boiled water, and taken in 2 tbsp. four times a day.

Infusion

An infusion of young leaves increases male potency, helps to cure inflammatory diseases of the liver, stomatitis and diseases of the ENT organs. In addition, purulent and long-healing wounds are treated with infusion.

1 tbsp fresh or dry maple leaves are poured with 200 ml of boiling water, infused for 20 minutes. Strained and chilled infusion is taken in a quarter cup 3-4 times a day.

Tincture

Alcohol infusion can cure or significantly alleviate the course of a disease such as sciatica. Also, the use of tincture is recommended in the treatment of congestion in the pelvic area.

20 g of maple leaves pour 100 ml of vodka and leave to infuse for four days. The drug is taken orally 30 drops three times a day. The same remedy can rub sore joints.

Norway maple juice

Maple sap is collected at the end of winter - beginning of spring (that is, in February - March), when the air temperature varies from -4 to +4 degrees (when the air warms up more and the temperature is finally above zero, the sap flow will stop). To collect thick and sweet juice, a hole is carefully made in the tree trunk, into which a plastic tube is inserted, through which the juice will drain into a bucket suspended from the trunk. One tree during this period of time can give such an amount of juice from which you can get 2 - 4 kg of sugar.

A week after harvesting, the maple sap will become thick, cloudy and sour, but still pleasant. Such juice can be stored for years.

Maple sap has bactericidal properties, due to which it is used in folk medicine as a natural antiseptic, which can be used to treat wounds, ulcers and abrasions, which will speed up the healing process and relieve inflammation.

Fresh maple sap has a strengthening effect, as it contains a whole range of useful substances and vitamins. If you mix juice with warm milk in equal proportions, you can cure cough.

Sweet maple juice can be taken during pregnancy to quench thirst, improve mood and strengthen immunity, one-third of a glass three times a day, but it is still better to consult a doctor beforehand.

maple honey

Norway maple is an excellent honey plant that produces fragrant, high-quality and tasty amber-colored honey.

In maple honey (however, as in many other varieties of this the most useful product) contains almost all the biochemical compounds necessary to maintain excellent health, including amino acids, vitamins and trace elements.

Action of maple honey

1. Increases immunity.
2. Prevents the development of anemia and atherosclerosis.
3. Invigorates and tones the body.
4. Calms the nervous system.
5. Increases lactation.
6. Fights viruses and infections.
7. Promotes wound healing.

Norway maple honey is perfectly balanced in composition, therefore it is indicated not only as a therapeutic, but also a prophylactic agent that helps to maintain normal body functions.

For preventive purposes, maple honey is taken one tablespoon 30 minutes before eating, for ten days, after which a 10-day break is shown, after which honey intake is resumed.

Treatment of boils

A "dough" is prepared from the same amount of honey and flour (to obtain a homogeneous mass, a small amount of water should be added to such a "dough"). The resulting mass is applied daily to the sore spot until the abscess opens.
2 tbsp the mixture is placed in a thermos and poured with 500 ml of boiling water, after which the mixture is infused for an hour and filtered. An infusion is taken, to which a teaspoon of maple honey is added, half a glass three times a day, half an hour before meals.

The healing properties of maple honey have been used in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system in both men and women.

Contraindications

There were no contraindications to taking Norway maple preparations (with the exception of individual intolerance). However, pregnant women should be careful with this plant, which contains alkaloids that increase uterine smooth muscle contractions. Therefore, before consuming decoctions or infusions from Norway maple, you should definitely visit a doctor.

Norway maple recipes

Infusion for nephrolithiasis

Grind 100 g of dry or fresh maple leaves and pour a liter of boiling water, leaving the product to infuse overnight. Strained infusion is taken within two to three months before meals, 150 ml, three times a day. Such a natural remedy will help, firstly, to remove sand from the kidneys, and secondly, to dissolve small stones. It is important that with the help of infusion, the sand will move away quite easily, since maple preparations have an analgesic effect.

Infusion with reduced potency

1 tbsp pour one glass of maple fruit hot water and insist in hermetically sealed enamelware(preferably in a water bath) for half an hour. The infusion is then cooled room temperature 40 minutes, filtered and brought with boiled water to its original volume. Such a remedy is taken in 2 tbsp. about 4 - 5 times a day, 25 minutes before meals.

Infusion for colds

A tablespoon of crushed maple bark is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused in a water bath for about an hour, after which the infusion is filtered and drunk 50 ml, four times a day. This recipe will help reduce the intensity of renal colic, and also contribute to a faster cure for diseases of the kidneys and bladder.

This infusion, which has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, is recommended to wash purulent and long-healing wounds.

Decoction for herpes

2 tbsp leaves and seeds of the plant pour a glass of hot water and boil for 10 minutes, and then leave for another hour. Strained broth is taken in 2 tbsp. five times a day, before meals. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

The name of the genus comes from the word Acer - sharp, because of the shape of the leaf blade. In most species of this genus, it has sharp lobes. Unpretentiousness, an abundance of species that differ in size and shape of the crown, as well as the color of the foliage, made maples indispensable in green construction.

Planting maples closer to housing, decorating parks with this picturesque tree was still a custom among the inhabitants of Hellas. They later brought this tradition to the shores of the Black Sea, where they founded numerous settlements. Perhaps it was from here that the noble tradition spread throughout the world.

Everyone knows the Norway maple (Acer platanoides). In the landscaping of city gardens and parks, this species is perhaps the most favorite. Shady, elegant, with large wide leaves, in summer the tree pleases the eye with bright greenery, in autumn with generous golden beauty, in winter with elegant graphics of brown branches, and in spring with golden-green bunches of flowers. At the time of its fragrant flowering, maple is a magnificent honey plant. From the nectar collected by bees from one tree, up to 10 kg of honey is obtained.

It is impossible not to be surprised by the endless variety of natural species and cultural forms of our acquaintance - maple.

Purple-leaved varieties of Norway maple are very popular - Krimson King, Schwedlerii, Royal Red.

Variegated forms are less common. One of the most famous, with a creamy yellow border on the edge of the leaf, belongs to the cultivar Drummondii. Small groups, consisting of trees of this form, are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty and lightness.

Ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo) came to Europe from the central part of North America. The most beautiful of all forms of this species is Flamingo.

Its foliage is characterized by spectacular white-pink spotting, which makes the crown seem openwork, lacy. The decorative form of Aurea can be recognized by the lemon-yellow color of the leaves.

Field maple (Acer campestre) captivates with its modest appearance, grows in the form of a tree or a bush. Its palmately lobed leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. It is more demanding on the soil than Norway maple. This type of maple can be successfully used in hedges.

False siboldov (autumn coloring)

For small gardens, the false-siebold maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum) is suitable - an elegant tree up to 8 m tall, very beautiful in spring when the bright pinkish-red scales of leaf buds have not yet fallen, which have just released young leaves. IN autumn period the foliage takes on a fiery red color, as if the bush is engulfed in flames - an impressive and unforgettable sight.

Field (autumn coloring)

Tatar

In winter, the green-bark maple (Acer tegmentosum) will perform as a soloist. The trunk of young trees is decorated with greenish bark with longitudinal white stripes, so that the surface of the trunk resembles marble.

The Tatar maple (Acer tataricum) is a must in urban landscaping. This species is unpretentious, tolerates a haircut well. Dressed up and at the time of flowering, and in the fall. Its numerous lionfish fruits are also charming. They are collected in lush clusters, conspicuous against the backdrop of foliage.

Ginnala maple, or river maple, is very similar to the previous species, but its autumn color is more intense.

The sugar maple (Acer saccharinum) is native to North America. In our climate, an overseas resident feels great: he is not afraid of frost, does not make special demands on the soil, and does not suffer from strong winds. Its other name - silvery - this species received for the color of the sheet: its upper side is bright green, and the lower side is silvery white. In autumn, the smooth light gray trunk of this maple is crowned with a golden crown.

Bearded (summer color)

Very decorative garden form silver maple Laciniata with deeply dissected leaves. A feature of this species is the early ripening of seeds, which quickly lose their germination if their moisture content drops to 34%, so seeds obtained from outside often do not germinate.

Unfortunately, in home gardens you rarely see a Far Eastern species - the Manchurian maple (Acer mandshuricum) - an original slender tree with an openwork crown. Its trifoliate leaves on reddish petioles are very attractive. This maple has an early autumn color of the leaves of a rare beauty of pink.

Another species that is not very common in culture is the bearded maple (Acer barbinerve). Long hairs are noticeable on the underside of the leaves, which probably gave the species its name.

Decorative throughout the season. In winter, when there are few bright colors, its reddish shoots stand out beautifully against the background of snow. The species is very cold hardy.

Most maples are demanding on soil and air moisture. The soil they need is light loamy or sandy loam. When growing maples, it is necessary to take into account not only the conditions of their natural distribution, but also the conditions of the area where the planting material was grown. Plants from areas with a similar climate show themselves to be more winter-hardy.

Maple sugar, or silver - a monumental tree with a powerful crown. Grows fastest in open spaces. Doesn't mind wet soils. However, the branches of this tree are very brittle. Maple is very beautiful, especially its shape" Wieri" with rugged leaves that make it openwork and light.

Photo gallery of maple species and varieties

Norway maple or sycamore - got this name because of the similarity of foliage with the leaves of a plane tree. It has well-defined foliage, a dense, neat crown, and an even, straight trunk.

Modern breeders based on Norway maple have created a huge number of varieties with unusually colored leaves or with a clearly defined crown shape. Especially spectacular is the spherical shape of the holly maple - in the form of a dense green ball. In addition, new varieties have been bred, with golden or purple foliage. Maple does not need to be specially pruned (just remove broken and withered branches), it grows, retaining its spherical shape.

Varieties with purple leaf color, which persists from early spring to late autumn - " Crimson King", "Faassen's Black"- differ sharply from other greens and grow well in our conditions.

"Drummondii"- a well-known form with a white border around the edge of the leaf - a tree that brings a feeling of coolness and freshness to any corner. At the same time (unlike many other forms with colored leaves) it does not turn green in the shade, but retains the unusual color of the leaves. Plant this variety can be both in a large garden and in a small area.Prefers lighted places, fertile soil without excess moisture but not dry. Trees of this species are very unpretentious: when transplanted, an earthen ball can completely crumble - so that only a few thick stumps of roots stick out, but the plant will still take root well. Varieties are propagated by grafting, but sometimes when propagated by seeds, they pass colored leaves to their "descendants".

False maple , he is sycamore or plane tree - a view that deserves attention. The lower part of its leaves is light. On the sunny place the tree grows up to 25 meters.

"Brilliantissimum"- a variety with bronze-yellow foliage. In the spring, when young leaves are just beginning to bloom, the leaves of the variety have a delicate pink-peach hue.

"Leopoldii", "Simon Louis Freres"- variegated varieties. Like all bred varieties, they are always smaller in size than the original species.

Sycamore tolerates frosts worse than Norway maple, sometimes the ends of young shoots are damaged. And he does not like urban conditions: he suffers from dryness and salinity. As well as from very damp soils, however, it can grow well in coastal areas.

maple red - got its specific name due to the fact that in autumn its leaves turn dark pink and red. Its varieties emphasize this dignity even more strongly.

"Red Sunset"- a tree with very bright autumn foliage. It feels good both in lighted places and in partial shade. It is also called marsh - for its ability to grow on wet and acidic soils, and even with stagnant water.

Ginnala Maple - can grow both as a tree and as a shrub up to 5 meters high. After pruning, it gives a lot of twigs, so it is convenient to use it when creating high hedges. In cold winters, the ends of young shoots freeze a little, but the branches quickly recover. In autumn, the ginnal maple is very beautiful - with fiery, bright red leaves. It can be propagated by root suckers and seeds. Photophilous, grows well in the city. It looks beautiful both on the edges and on the banks of reservoirs.

Tatar maple , or black maple - is notable for the fact that its ripening dark pink lionfish against the background of green foliage look like flowers. It got its second name because of the completely black bark.

Ash-leaved maple , or American - widely distributed in Russia. Its thickets are sometimes even called a weed. He doesn't have much beautiful crown- loose, untidy and at the same time brittle. However, ash-leaved maple is used in breeding the most exquisite varieties.

"Flamingo"- with white-pink young leaves it looks very elegant. Yellow and white-variegated forms grow in small compact trees. But branches can appear on them, both with pure white and pure green leaves, they must be urgently removed. Pale yellow, golden shaped leaves can only be appreciated when combined with other ornamental foliage plants Planted alone, this tree can make a rather pathetic impression When pruned heavily, the American maple produces many shoots, so it can be grown as a shrub.Grows quickly. Hardy and drought tolerant.

Manchu maple - one of the most elegant. It has trifoliate yellow and red tan leaves on red petioles. Manchurian maple is planted in a well-lit place, only light partial shade is acceptable. Winter-hardy. It reacts poorly to pruning, but even without it, the tree looks slender - thanks to a beautiful lacy crown.

Green maple - is interesting primarily for its pale green, with marble-white stripes, bark. Together with others like him maples of David, reddish-veiny, snake-skinned And Pennsylvania belongs to the group

This luxurious tree, beautiful at any time of the year, is a true decoration of city gardens, parks and squares. In autumn, maple leaves take on a variety of colors and shades: from our usual yellow to deep crimson.

This tree, with its beauty, inspired world-famous masters to create paintings, poets composed poems about it. In this article, we invite you to learn a little more about this plant, which may also be in your city. How to grow maple from seeds, and is it possible? How to care for him if you planted a tree on the territory of your country house?

Spreading

IN vivo Maple grows in almost the entire Northern Hemisphere. Twenty species of this plant are common on the territory of Russia, the most common of them are:

• Norway maple;
• field;
• Tatar;
• White.

Japanese maple is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Description

The genus Acer combines woody and shrubby plants of the Sapindaceae family. Widely represented in Europe, North America and Asia. The genus includes more than one hundred and fifty species that mainly grow in the temperate zone, some of its representatives are found in Central Asia and the Mediterranean.

The tree grows to a height of thirty meters. The trunk is covered with gray-green bark with a network of lighter veins. The leaves are large, three-lobed, up to seventeen centimeters long. The edge of the leaf plate is finely serrated. The flowers are small, greenish in color. They have five oblong sepals and the same number of oval petals. There are eight hairless stamens. The ovary is short, and underdeveloped in male flowers. The pedicel is thin, about five millimeters long.

Maple: fruits and seeds

The fruit of this tree is the lionfish. This is an achene with a leathery dry pericarp, a flat pterygoid fibrous outgrowth. With its help maple breeds. The dispersal of seeds by the wind is quite interesting: the lionfish amusingly moves through the air, writing spiral pirouettes, flying over long distances and penetrating the forest stands.

seeds

What are maple seeds? They are completely naked, having a green large folded embryo. Maple seeds are slightly flattened. They ripen at the very end of summer, and often remain on the tree throughout the winter. The seeds are covered with a thin skin. The tree bears fruit annually and abundantly, in Russia this happens in September.

Growing maple from seeds

There are many types of maple on the territory of our country, so everyone can choose a suitable copy even for a very modest in size. garden plot. It's nice to grow such a luxurious tree with your own hands. Moreover, it is not difficult to do this even for a beginner in gardening.

First of all, you should decide what kind of maple you want to grow. The thing is that not all varieties can be propagated by seeds - there are decorative forms that propagate exclusively by grafting or cuttings.

For growing from seeds are most often used:

• Ginnala maple;
• Tatar;
• green-skinned;
• holly.

Maple seeds harvested in the fall or purchased from a store must be stratified. In other words, it is necessary to imitate artificial conditions the transition of a plant from a state of winter dormancy to rapid growth. To do this, the seeds are kept at a temperature of +3 to +5 ° C for 120 days. To do this, you can use a refrigerator or cellar. Maple seeds are stored in a small container filled with wet sand.

seed germination

In April or early May, the seeds are planted for germination. They are transferred immediately to open ground. In order for the sprouts to appear sooner, it is necessary to first soak the maple seeds in hydrogen peroxide for three days. After this procedure, they are completely ready for landing. Now you need to find a place for the tree.

Where to plant maple?

The area where you plan to grow a tree should be sunny or slightly shaded. It is desirable that the soil be loose and fertile, so at first (before planting), the soil is dug up well and loosened so that it becomes uniform and fine-grained. Add a little humus, peat and sand to the garden soil.

Planting seeds

Seeds are planted at a depth of about four centimeters. If you do not plan to transplant further seedlings, then the distance between plants should be at least two meters. You can plant seeds at a closer distance, seedlings can be thinned out, and the strongest seedlings can be planted at a closer distance. After planting, the seeds are watered and the soil is kept moist.

Emergence of seedlings

The first shoots will appear about three weeks after planting. Maple germinates rather slowly, but when the seeds have sprouted, they need simple care: regular moderate watering, weeding the soil. In strong summer heat, shade young plants from the sun's rays. By autumn, your seedlings will already grow up to 40 cm, and in the first year - up to 80 cm.

autumn planting

Sometimes maple seeds are planted in autumn in open ground. In this case, they are all winter in natural environment and germinate in the spring. With this method, seed germination is somewhat lower due to strong and snowless winters, however, this method is considered the most natural.

Depending on the size of the seedlings, after one to three years they can be transplanted to permanent place. To do this, it is necessary to prepare holes measuring 50x50x70 cm. The composition of the soil is the same as when growing seeds. Before planting, add organic fertilizers (compost or humus) to the soil. Every year in the summer, apply complex fertilizers for perennials.

Maple is a gorgeous and easy to care for tree with positive energy. In the shade of its dense crown in summer you can relax, and in autumn you can admire the ever-changing colors and shades of foliage. Planting a maple is a long-term investment in the future of your garden or suburban area. Maple will delight not only you, but also your children and grandchildren with its noble and sophisticated look.