Silver maple10/26/2022 A Crimson Erineum Mite can also be found in maples and creates patches under leaves that are red and fuzzy (Gilman, 1993). This insect creates a cottony mass on the bottoms of branches. Scale insects are also a problem for maples and the most common is the Cottony Maple Scale. Both of these insects go into the leaf stalk and shrivel it, turning it black and making the leaf fall off (Gilman, 1993). Some pests of the Silver Maple tree are the leaf stalk borer and petiole-borer. The tree is pollinated through wind dispersion. Not only is the tree used for food, but it can also be used as protection for smaller animals because its droopiness creates shelters (Nesom, 2000). The tree's bark is also food for beavers and the foliage is sometimes consumed by rabbits. The buds are important for squirrels especially when winter comes around and they have very scarce resources for food. 7Įcological Notes: The many seeds that the Silver Maple Tree produces are a food source to various different birds, such as grosbeaks, finches, wild turkey, ducks, and mammals like squirrels and chipmunks (Nesom, 2000). It can tolerate its trunk being under a few feet of rain for a few weeks as well.įigure 7. They tend to grow very fast, but do not compete well with other species. They can withstand many different environmental stressors as well such as flooding. It can be found on stream banks, flood plains, and stream edges. Its abundance in its natural habitat has decreased due to deforestation but has increased in urban areas because of people planting them for shade. They can also be found immediately adjacent to Canada, except along major portions of the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains (Nesom, 2000). Native Range: Silver Maples are mainly found in eastern North America. They are a green or yellowish color coming from red buds about 6mm in length (Nesom 2000). All flowers on one tree occur at the same time. Individual trees commonly have all-male (fascicled) or all-female (drooping racemes) flowers. The tree has red flowers during the springtime. The fruit is unappealing to wildlife and is also a bit garish (Gilman 1993). Green flowers appear along the shoots before the leaves unfurl in springtime. The roots are shallow in the ground and will lift sidewalks and interfere with mowing (Gilman 1993).įlowers & Fruits: The paired, winged fruits are the largest of all the maple trees (Britannica 2019). Therefore, bark requires maintenance under the tree to remove the flakes from under the tree. The young bark is smooth, but as the tree ages, it becomes flakier (Britannica 2019). The bark is gray and thin and is very easy to break off. Twigs & Bark: The bark contains no thorns and the twigs have a slightly unpleasant odor when you crush them (Nesom 2000). They are also star-shaped and tend to fall off at maturity (Gilman 1993). They are light green on top, yet silvery below (Britannica 2019). Leaves: The leaves are 8-15cm long (Nesom 2000). Its branches are slender and droop, but turn upwards at the tips (Britannica 2019). It has a short stout trunk and a very wide crown, which is irregularly shaped. The Silver Maple is known for its fast-growing, yet weak-wooded trunk. The tallest trees range from 50-70 feet (15.24-21.34 meters) tall at their mature height and 30-50 feet (9.14-15.24 meters) wide (Morton 2019). Habit: The Silver Maple Tree is one of the most common trees in North America. Common Name: Silver Maple Swamp Maple Water Maple Silverleaf Maple White Maple Soft Maple
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