Acer saccharinum L. Silver Maple
A handsome tree, native to eastern N. America from Quebec south to Florida, cultivated for ornament in Europe, particularly in Britain where it is often grown in parks, on roadsides and in gardens. Height to about 27-36m (90-120ft). Flowers open in March before the leaves unfold. Fruits have stalks 3.7-5cm (1½-2in) long and twisted wings spread widely. Since they form early, seed can germinate and produce several leaves before the end of the season, but in Britain seed is rarely set. Leaves have a silver underside and colour yellow and red in autumn. Bark is smooth and grey and often covered with shoots and suckers.
A. saccharinum forma laciniatum (Carr.) Rehd. has weeping branches and deeply cut narrowly lobed leaves. Z3.