This tall, native tree has a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. The mature bark has long, thin plates (E). This is the first plant to flower in our area with red (C) or yellow (B) male and female flowers on the same tree. Image (B) shows the male flowers on the left with drooping stamens, and a female flower on the right showing the stigmas. The leaves have silvery undersides. They are 3-5 inches long with deeply cut, pointed lobes (A). The leaves on the ground under a Silver maple in October are shown in image (G). The winged fruit (samara) is arranged in clusters of 2 inch long, paired “keys” (A,D). They develop before the leaves. These trees may be recognized in winter by the silhouette of their twigs and the pattern of their already emerging flower buds (F).