Silver is the right word to describe this maple. With even a light breeze, the tree produces a lovely shimmering effect thanks to the silvery undersides of its leaves. The bark, too, is silver in color, particularly when the tree is young. But the beautiful silvery nature of this tree is not its biggest draw. People love the silver maple for its fast growth, averaging 3 to 7 feet per year.
This silver maple’s subtle yellow fall colors, broad canopy, and wildlife-friendly nature are just a few of its many charms. The winged seeds are a favorite for numerous bird species — especially grosbeaks — as well as squirrels, foxes, and other small mammals.
This tree is suitable for hardiness zones 3-9 and adapts to a variety of soil and site conditions. It will reach a height of 50–80 feet with a spread of 35–50 feet, so plant it in a site with plenty of room. And while branches can be prone to limb breakage, the silver maple can handle periods of both drought and flooding.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/silvermaple.