Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9; highly adaptable to a wide range of climates from northern cold to southern heat.
About This Tree
A large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a high, spreading crown and somewhat pendulous lower branches. The growth form is often multi-stemmed or features many vertical limbs originating from the trunk, creating a vase-like to rounded shape. It is known for its light-colored wood and rapid growth rate.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement; deeply five-lobed with narrow sinuses and coarsely serrated margins. Leaves are 3-6 inches long, bright green on top and distinctly silvery-white on the underside, which creates a shimmering effect in the wind.
Bark Characteristics
On young trees, the bark is smooth and silvery-gray. As it matures, it becomes gray and shaggy, breaking into long, thin, narrow flakes or plates that peel at the ends.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern and Central North America, particularly adapted to riverbanks and floodplains.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring; flowers in late winter/early spring before leaves emerge; seeds (samaras) ripen and drop in late spring/early summer; enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to wet sites and flood zones. It has moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture.
Mature Size
Height: 50-80 feet; Spread: 35-50 feet. Fast growth rate (3+ feet per year). Lifespan is typically 100-130 years.
Special Characteristics
Noted for fast growth and ability to grow in wet areas. Known for brilliant yellow fall color. Its wood is relatively brittle and prone to storm damage. Seed samaras are the largest of the native maples.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical early-season nectar for bees and pollinators. Seeds are a food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and many birds. The tree's tendency to form cavities makes it excellent nesting habitat for wood ducks, owls, and wood-boring insects.