Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A fast-growing, medium to large tree with an open, spreading crown and deeply lobed leaves featuring silvery undersides.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite, palmately lobed leaves with jaggedly toothed margins; bright green upper surface and silvery-white underneath
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and grey when young, becoming reddish-brown with long, scaly, vertical strips that peel away with age
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Spring leafing, early spring flowering, late spring samara production, dropping leaves in autumn, winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist soils but tolerates moderate drought once established
Mature Size
Height of 50 to 80 feet, spread of 35 to 50 feet, fast growth rate
Special Characteristics
Extremely fast growth, highly adaptable to wet soils, weak wood susceptible to storm damage, brilliant yellow to brown fall color
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites and cover for birds and squirrels, while buds and seeds are consumed by various mammals and birds