Acer saccharinum (silver maple)

Acer saccharinum (silver maple). . , Family: Aceraceae (Maple Family), Distribution: Silver maple is found throughout the entire eastern United States and much of eastern Canada, notably missing only from high Appalachian elevations and very southern locations. It is largely absent from central and central SW counties in West Virginia., Size: 90-140 ft. tall, Habitat/Description: The species thrives in moist, alluvial soils and on stream banks and lake sides. Shade-tolerant in good soils and preferring early to intermediate successional sites in nature, it can grow well as an ornamental in varying conditions where management curtails competition. Yellow to greenish flowers appear March-April, with winged fruits, called samaras, maturing April to June. The silvery underside of the leaves is the explanation for the common name. Seeds are an important food source for many wild species, such as small birds, game birds like turkeys and ducks, and small mammals. Deer and beaver use the bark. Susceptible to various fungal diseases, the species is prone to trunk cavities that are used as nests by squirrels, raccoons, opossums, owls, and woodpeckers., Ethnobotanical Uses: Silver maple has been commonly used throughout the United States as an ornamental but because of the brittleness of its wood and susceptibility to wind and ice damage, it is no longer recommended. It does not tolerate fire and thus cannot be used in fire-prone areas. Although the wood is brittle, the texture is smooth and hard and thus is used for furniture, flooring, musical instruments, crates, and tool handles. The swirly pattern of its old heartwood is called "bird's eye maple." Because of its rapid growth, the species has been considered for biofuel production. Sap was used by Native Americans for a number of illnesses like cough, sores, intestinal cramps, and sexually transmitted disease. The sap was also used as a sweetener and for making alcoholic beverages.