Botanical Name: Acer saccharinum
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Common Name: Silver Maple  
Plant photo of: Acer saccharinum
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

40-60', 60-100'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Light Green, Silver

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Spring

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive, Messy

Design Styles

Meadow, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn

 

Special Uses

Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Steve Jacobs, Connon N.

  • Description

  • Notes

This fast growing tree tolerates tough conditions under which other species might fail. It should be used where there is plenty of space, as it is fast-growing, reaching heights of 40 to 55 feet (or more) with nearly an equal spread. Leaves are five-lobed, light green atop and silvery beneath. The fall color is yellow. With an aggressive root system, this tree can be hard on sidewalks and sewers. It is, however, one of the best trees for poor soils where few other trees will grow. Spring flowers are followed by sumara that ripen and fall in the spring.
Grow in nearly any soil under nearly any condition. This is a fast growing tree and needs to be given ample room to grow. There are cultivars of silver maple selected for fall color, size, form, and heat and drought tolerance.