A medium to large tree with a rounded crown and slender,
spreading branches. Leaves simple, opposite, 4–7 inches long,
broadly triangular, 5-lobed; lobes deep, narrow, pointed at the
tip, middle lobe taking up more than ½ the length of the
complete leaf, narrowed at the base, margins toothed, base of
lobes (sinuses) V-shaped; upper surface of leaf pale green,
undersurface silvery white (hence the name). Leaves turn yellow
in autumn. Bark smooth, light gray, later breaking into long,
thin plates and ridges. Twigs slender, brittle, shiny, reddish-
brown, producing a disagreeable odor when bruised or broken; bud
at tip is blunt. Flowers January–April, in clusters, male and
female flowers borne on the same tree, appearing before the
leaves, lacking petals. This is the earliest of our maples to
flower in the spring. Fruits April–June, on slender, drooping
stalks; samaras (winged seeds) reddish- to yellowish-brown, in
pairs, each wing 1½–2 inches long; usually numerous.