Large, often multi-stemmed, shade tree of stream banks, flood plains and swamps. It has large green leaves with a silvery underside. As the tree matures, its gray to dark brown bark develops a flakey texture. Silver Maple and Red Maple are the only two native species of maple that disperse seeds in the spring. A very rapid grower, often gaining more than 5' in height per year. Although this species grows so easily, it tends to have more brittle wood- so high winds and heavy snow / ice accumulation may limit its life span.