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Alnus incana

Gray Alder is a small, flood-tolerant, deciduous tree. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers bloom on the same plant). Both flowers are purple-red catkins; the female flower is followed by a woody, cone-like structure containing the seeds. Birds, such as redpolls, siskins, chickadees, and goldfinches, feed on the seeds. This tree grows fast, but is short-lived, usually not lasting beyond 40 years. It prefers moist to wet soils and is flood-tolerant. Alder is a nitrogen-fixing species, adding nutrients to the soil. For these reasons, Gray Alder is planted as a pioneer species for revegetating disturbed areas along streams or ponds. It can also be massed for a windbreak or used for erosion control.

Acer saccharinum

Silver Maple is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree. It gets its name from the silvery color on the undersides of its leaves. The leaves are also relatively small, in comparison to those of other maples. Greenish-yellow flowers bloom in March, followed by maple fruits (double-winged samaras). Silver Maple is a preferred nesting site for Baltimore Orioles. This tree has weak-wooded branches susceptible to breakage from high winds or heavy snow. Best used as a specimen or shade tree in areas of the yard where potential breakage will not be a nuisance. Silver Maple is often used in areas where other hardwoods will not grow, since it tolerates poor soils and wet conditions.

Acer rubrum

Red Maple is a medium-sized, cold-tolerant deciduous tree. It has attractive, bright red fall foliage. Clusters of red flowers, which bloom March-April, are followed by red maple fruits (double-winged samaras). Nectar from the flowers is a valuable food source for native bees and honeybees. This wildlife-friendly species is a host for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) and Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia). The caterpillars provide an early spring food source for birds. Use as a specimen or shade tree in the yard, but not too close to sidewalks or driveways, since this tree has a shallow root system, which may cause buckling of pavement.

Acer negundo

Boxelder is a medium-sized, fast-growing deciduous tree. Its compound leaves are different from most other maples. Non-showy, yellow-green flowers bloom March-April on separate male and female trees. The flowers are followed by typical maple fruits (double-winged samaras), which persist on the tree into the winter months. This tree is a host for Boxelder bugs. While they are not harmful to the tree, they may become a nuisance by entering nearby homes for overwintering. Boxelder is susceptible to breakage, occurring either at the crotch of the tree, or where the wood itself is weak, usually along limbs. Best used as a specimen or shade tree in areas of the yard where tree litter and potential breakage will not be a nuisance.