Facts About Canadian Silver Maple Trees

Silver maples produce many winged seeds.

The maple tree is an important symbol of Canada -- so much so that the national flag bears a red maple leaf. However, sugar maples aren't the only maple trees that grow in Canada. Red, Norway, and silver maples also grow within Canadian borders.

Identification

Silver maples are medium-sized trees with relatively short trunks and fast-growing branches. These trees have pale bark, and are also called river maple, soft maple, white maple and water maple. Silver maples prefer well drained, moist soil and a climate with at least 120 to 240 frost-free days.

Range

The silver maple is native to eastern North America, including the U.S. and portions of Canada. Silver maples grow as far east as western New Brunswick and southern Quebec and west to southern Ontario. Silver maple trees are limited primarily to the far south of Canada, although they're often planted in cities as ornamentals.

Lifespan

Canadian silver maple trees live between 100 and 130 years. Their lifespan tends to be more limited in cities, and they do not tolerate shade from buildings or other trees well. Silver maples may have a shorter lifespan if planted in wet soils or attached by mold or verticillium wilt, a disease of the stem.

References

• US Forest Service: Silver Maple
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: Lifespan of Common Urban Trees
• PlantMaps.com: Silver Maple