Indigo Maple

This short tree grows up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 143 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a wide, straight trunk covered in very thick, cracked, dark brown bark, and inside, the flexible wood is mahogany-coloured.

The small handful of branches trail down across the ground and are covered with small bunches of waxy, tiny, finger-like leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are black and indigo.

In late summer it forms medium-sized, hazel, winged seeds that spin and fall nearby.

The roots are shallow and grow straight down, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with grassy ground between them.