Silver Maple

=== Desc. ===
Silver Maple is a large native maple tree in Southern New England. The tree can grow at a medium pace, up to 80 to 110' tall. The wood isnt very strong, and tends to drop branches in high winds. Otherwise the tree does fairly well. Silver maples are valued as the determinator of spring. When they flower in late March it is the first sign that spring has arrived. They are the first to flower every year, along with some Red Maples and American Elms. The first blooms are typical for the end of March, when temperatures reach commonly into the 40s and 50s. The flowers are puffy and red. They resemble the Red Maples flowers. The leaves are silvery on the underside, in which the species was likely named. Leaves are more pointed, and sycamore looking compared to other maples. They do still have the universal maple looking leaf. Bark is ridged. Leaves turn yellow in the fall, usually in October and November. Samaras mature and fall in the spring and summer, and are quite large. 
=== Quick Facts ===
80-110' 
Medium pace growth.
Native Tree
Indicator of Spring- Flowers at end of March.
Samaras mature in Summer.
Common, especially in wetlands and wet environments.
=== Similar Species ===
* American Red Maple
* American Elm
Category:Trees and Shrubs
Category:Nature
Category:Native Plants