pinterest-circle facebook-circle twitter-circle instagram-circle ss-standard-direct-right ss-standard-cart ss-standard-close ss-standard-exit ss-standard-notebook ss-standard-redirect ss-standard-rows ss-standard-search ss-standard-user delivery-truckarrow-right-line
orders cart log in search
Donate

Tree Guide

More in the Tree Guide
print Print

Silver MapleAcer saccharinum

  • Silver Maple - Acer saccharinum
Very fast-growing. Leaves are green on top and silvery-white on the underside, shimmering and dancing in the breeze. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Because of a vigorous root system, plant 10' or more from sidewalks, drives, foundations, and sewer lines. Grows to 50' to 80'with spread 2/3 of height to wider than the tree is tall. (zones 3-9)
price Pricing Information

Hardiness Zones

The silver maple can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 3–9. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The silver maple grows to a height of 50–80' and a spread of 35–50' at maturity.

Growth Speed Fast Growth Rate

This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The silver maple grows in a wide range of soil types but prefers deep, moist, acidic soil. It can withstand some flooding and has moderate drought tolerance.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Grows very quickly, providing shade earlier than most trees.
  • Features 3–6" leaves with 5 lobes separated by notably deep, narrow sinuses. Green on top and silvery underneath through spring and summer, they turn a pale yellow in the fall.
  • Produces red, yellow and silver clusters of small flowers in early spring.
  • Yields pairs of winged seed over 3" long that ripen in late spring. They are the largest seeds of all native maples.
  • Grows in a vase shape.
  • Has a wide-spreading root system and a trunk that can become quite massive. It is best to plant the tree away from sidewalks, foundations and sewer lines.
  • Can be prone to limb breakage.

Wildlife Value

The silver maple’s buds are eaten by squirrels in early spring. It also provides nesting sites for ducks and other birds. Beavers find the trees delicious.

History/Lore

Early settlers in the Ohio Valley found the sap from the silver maple to be superior to other maple trees for sugar quality, but production was too slow for commercial purposes. The trees were a staple in many new towns and homesteads on the frontier because of their rapid growth (for quick shade) and ability to adapt to a variety of soil conditions.