Habitat:
This is a lowland species, found on stream banks, floodplains and near
lakes and ponds, withstanding short periods of flooding. It grows best in
deep, moist, slightly acid soils, but will tolerate a variety of soil conditions.
It grows rapidly for the first 25 to 30 years and seldom lives longer than
140 years.
Diseases: The silver maple is susceptible to pests and diseases. In wet weather anthracnose may become serious; the weak wood often leads to fungal infection after storm breakage; and manganese chlorosis in alkaline soils causes yellowing of the leaves. Other problems include Verticillium wilt, root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, canker, leaf scorch, cottony maple scale, borers and tent caterpillars.
Distribution: The silver maple is native from Quebec to Florida, west to Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. The largest trees occur in the lower Ohio River Valley. It is native throughout Iowa.
