Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9; highly tolerant of various temperature extremes and poor soil drainage.
About This Tree
A fast-growing, large deciduous tree with an upright, spreading form and often multiple main trunks. The crown is typically rounded with long, graceful branches that tend to droop and then turn upward at the ends.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite arrangement, simple, deeply 5-lobed with narrow sinuses; green on top and silvery-white underneath, creating a shimmering effect in the wind. Margins are sharply serrated, roughly 3-6 inches across.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and silver-gray when young, becoming gray-tan and developing long, thin, scaly plates that peel away at the ends on mature specimens.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and eastern North America; well-adapted to floodplains and moist soils.
Growing Season
Early spring flowering (often before leaves), followed by rapid leaf development; summer fruit maturation; deciduous dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist to wet soils but highly adaptable; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Height: 50-80 feet; Spread: 35-50 feet; Growth rate: Fast (often 3+ feet per year); Lifespan: 100-130 years.
Special Characteristics
Brittle wood prone to storm damage; rapid growth for quick shade; yellow to pale orange fall color; historically used for furniture and crates due to its workability.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides early spring nectar for bees; samaras (seeds) are a major food source for squirrels, birds, and small mammals; large cavities often provide nesting for wood ducks and owls.