Silver Maple

Aceraceae

LIFE FORM: Tree

NATIVITY: Eastern North America

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

Can grow to over 100 feet; leaves coarsely serrated with silvery undersides.

FLOWERS:

Reddish, unisexual flowers very early in the spring.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Large-winged samaras dispersed by wind in early summer; sprouts readily from the base when injured.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

A fast-growing tree, often multistemmed, that grows in moist habitats; freshwater wetlands, ponds and streams; riverbanks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Heat reduction in paved areas; food and/or habitat for wildlife; stream and river bank stabilization.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This native species is too big to be a street tree and should only be planted in parks. Introduced as an ornamental species.