Shade Gardening: what to grow under a maple tree , 1 by Hanjomi

Hanjomi wrote:
Hi,
I have a large silver maple and a small yard. I would like to plant some small trees/shrubs but I\'m concerned about the root competition. I\'m not looking for ideas for planting under the tree, but for shrubs/small trees that would be able to manage the root competition. The furthest I can get away from the drip line is about 10 feet. I do have one eastern redbud that is trying valiantly to make it, but that\'s about it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I live in Denver, zone 5.

I\'ve attached two pics, both taken at 9 am. The first faces south, the other north.