Silver Maple Also known as the water or swamp maple, Acer saccharinum is a large, deciduous tree, with an upright, almost columnar habit, very vigorous and fast-growing. The smooth, silvery-grey bark becomes shaggy on the trunk in older specimens. Small pinkish-yellow flowers appear densely on the bare branches in spring, followed by paired winged seeds (samaras) in early summer, larger than those of most maples. The five-lobed leaves are slightly toothed, a shiny deep green above and white and downy below; on very long leaf-stalks, they move in the slightest breeze, giving a, delicate, airy effect. In autumn they turn pale yellow, sometimes red, colouring less well than most maples. The Silver Maple copes very well with wet soils and urban pollution, but can be damaged by strong winds. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any reasonable soil, even wet soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of Interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 100ft (30m) Spread: 40ft (12m)