Depending on where you grew up, you might remember playing with little leaf-like "helicopters" in the spring.  These "helicopters" are also referred to as wings or winged seeds.  They are actually seeds that are dropped by silver maple trees (Acer saccharinum).  The shape of the seed allows it to be carried through the wind, which can help the seed travel farther for planting.

Silver maple trees produce many seeds per year and they are develop rapidly in the spring.  They are dispersed primarily by the wind.  The seeds can get up to roughly three and half inches in length, which is the largest of any other maple tree variety.  For more specific information about the tree itself, you may want to visit: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/acer/saccharinum.htm.

These seeds may be fun for kids to play with, but these are the seeds of the tree.  The seeds do take root rather quickly.  This can be good if you are wanting several trees to pop up in close proximity, but it can also be a slight in convenience if you are just wanting one tree in your yard.  The sprouts that pop up can be mowed over.  The sprouts will only be able to take the stress of being mowed down so many times.  After a few times of mowing, the issue will resolve itself.

All things considered, the silver maple is one of the more popular maple trees used as shade trees.  Its fast growth and thick foliage makes this a great provider of shade when the weather gets hot.  It's bright fall color makes a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape when the weather changes later if the year.  Its adaptability is great, even if poor soil conditions.  Silver maples like moist soil, and con tolerate overly wet conditions.  It is also a great choice if you have kids.  I will provide a free, natural toy every spring when the seeds fall!