Sycamore maple leaf

Acer pseudoplatanus L. Sycamore maple

Characteristics...

• Arrangement: opposite 
• Shape: palmate (5 lobes)
• Margin: serrate (somewhat irregular)
• Venation: palmate (veins pronounced on underside of leaf)
• Size: 10-25 cm
• Petiole: 5-15 cm
• Texture: leathery
• Color: green (purple on some cultivars)

Sycamore maple tree post

American Sweetgum flowers - male and female

 The inflorescence of American Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) are paired male and female flowers growing in close proximity to each other.  In the image above as well as in several of the images below the upright male flower "raceme" (red color) and the hanging female flower (cream color) can be clearly seen.

In the image below the new flowers can be seen beside several of the previous years spiky seed pods.

The star shaped leaves of the American Sweetgum are seen unfolding as well.

European alder - Spring blossom series

The European alder (also called Black alder, Common alder) has separate male and female inflorescence that bloom at the same time.  The long catkin type male inflorescence can be seen in the image above while the small red female inflorescence can be seen in more detail in the image below.

The female inflorescence goes on to develop into the small "cone" like seed pods that are characteristic of this tree species.

Silver wattle: Spring Blossom Series

Today´s tree for the Spring blossom series is the Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) which has one brightest yellow colored flowers that you will find.  I took these pictures this morning while walking in a local park here in Madrid.  Only a few other trees are in bloom so for which makes this bright bloomer stand out all the more.  Enjoy the pics!