Its name comes from the silvery-white underside of its leaves, which shimmer in the wind and give the tree a striking two-tone look.
Like Red Maple, it produces winged samaras in spring rather than fall, and they germinate quickly after dispersal.
Seeds and buds are eaten by birds and squirrels, and cavities in older trees provide shelter for woodpeckers and small mammals.
Despite its fast growth, Silver Maple has weak, brittle wood, making it prone to storm damage—one reason it’s less recommended for small yards.
Its name comes from the silvery-white underside of its leaves, which shimmer in the wind and give the tree a striking two-tone look.
Like Red Maple, it produces winged samaras in spring rather than fall, and they germinate quickly after dispersal.
Seeds and buds are eaten by birds and squirrels, and cavities in older trees provide shelter for woodpeckers and small mammals.
Despite its fast growth, Silver Maple has weak, brittle wood, making it prone to storm damage—one reason it’s less recommended for small yards.
Bloom time: early to mid-spring
Habitats: moist floodplain woodlands; riverbanks; swamps
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): tree (60 to 100 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: clay-loam; loam; silt-loam
