One of the maple species that tends to be overshadowed by the red and sugar maples is the black maple (acer nigrum). So-called because of its dark brown trunk, the black maple is a lovely shade tree.

They have a beautiful shape and in autumn, their large green leaves turn a combination of orange, red and yellow.

They are related to the sugar maples to the extent that some botanists consider them to be a subspecies and they can also be tapped for syrup.

They can grow up to 34 metres (112 ft) and will develop a dense crown which encourages people on a hot day to sit underneath with a cool drink.

Happy Wednesday.