Mountain Maple vs Silver Leaf Willow

Used to growing in the shadows of the damp forest, White Maple (aka Mountain Maple) is a great fit for shady and wet areas, such as beneath larger trees. Unlike most of its cousins, the White Maple is a shrub instead of a tree. It's still a maple, however, with sap that can be made into Maple syrup to prove it!

In May and June, the classic shapes of Maple leaves are joined by clusters of green and yellow flowers. Soon after, red samaras (aka helicopter seeds or whirligigs) appear. This distinctive appearance makes White Maple an excellent choice for giving urban yards a unique (and patriotic) look.

Native to North America, Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

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