Acer opalus Mill. Italian Maple Native to central and southern Europe, cultivated for ornament in large gardens. Grows to 9-19m (30-65ft) tall, though may sometimes be small and shrubby. Flowers are produced in April and make a spectacular display in their bright yellow hanging bunches with yellow opening leaves. Fruit have downcurved wings 2.5cm (1in) long, pinkish-green. Nuts turn red when ripe. Leaves are fairly similar to Sycamore (A. pseudoplatanus) but are smaller and have only three deeply-cut lobes. The base is usually more heart-shaped than is shown. Z5.