The Silver Maple is found in many parts of North America. It is mainly found in the midwest and the east all the way from Maine to Florida. The bark of the tree is thin and gray on the trunk and some of the larger branches. Smaller branches are gray with a little brown.
The leaves of the Silver Maple are sectioned into three main parts. The top of the leaves are a light shiny green and the bottoms are smooth and silvery.
The Silver Maple tends to grow in moist soil, near streams and swamps. However, the Silver Maple can also grow in dry areas. On average, the Silver Maple grows very high, 38.1 meters (125 feet). It is usually 18.2 meters to 24.4 meters (60 feet to 80 feet) wide at the top.
The Silver Maple's seeds are brown and thin. They are divided into two parts. Both parts look like each other. A Maple seed looks like it might have propellers. Here is a picture of a Maple seed.
How does the Silver Maple disperse its seeds?
By Animal
Nice try, but the Silver Maple does not use animals to spread their seeds. Think about the shape of the seed. Why do some people call them the helicopter seed?
By Wind
Correct. The Silver Maple disperses its seeds with the help of the wind. Because the seeds are Aerodynamic, or shaped for traveling in the wind, the wind will pick up the Maple seeds and carry them to suitable land. They will then drop and sprout a new Maple tree.
By Water
It seems to make sense, but the Silver Maple does not disperse its seeds through water even though it likes to grow near water. Remember that even though they like to grow in watery areas, they can grow in drier climates. Here's a hint: Silver Maples tend not to grow in clumps, but with alot of space in between them. How would seeds travel such a long distance?
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