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Acer saccharinum

Image of Acer saccharinum

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Aceraceae

Botanical Name

Acer saccharinum

Plant Common Name

Silver Maple

General Description

Silver maple is a fast growing large open shade tree that is native to eastern North America. It has an oval to rounded canopy and narrow branch crotches. Its medium green leaves have silver undersides and may change to yellow or yellow-brown in fall.

This tree prefers full sun to partial shade. Though adaptable to a wide variety of soils, silver maple tends to be weak wooded and may be subject to damage during storms. Silver maple is widely used as a shade tree in open lawns or parks.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    60'-120' / 18.3m - 36.6m (60)

  • Width

    40'-80' / 12.2m - 24.4m (40)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring

  • Native To

    North America, Europe, Africa, Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Chartreuse

  • Fruit Color

    Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Orange, Gold, Copper, Orange Red

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Shade Trees, Street Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No