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Cornell University

Species: Acer saccharinum

(ay'ser sak-kar-eye'num)

Acer saccharinum

Silver Maple

Found on Course Walks

Maples, Beeches and Others

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

Tree Identification Guide

Ornamental Characteristics

Tree > 30 feet

50' - 70' (spread 35' - 50')

Deciduous

oval to rounded

A particularly large, fast-growing, and as a result, weak-wooded tree. This plant was seen as a good street tree replacement for American Elms, however, due to its weak wooded nature and large size, it is known to drop limbs. This can happen with little to no warning and can cause significant property damage or injury/death. As a result these trees should be planted sparingly and with extreme caution.

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun, Part shade

3a

Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

Medium to fine textured foliage, silvery grey underneath, turning soft yellow in fall; silvery gray bark flakes off to expose orange inner bark

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil; Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

anthracnose; leaf spot; tar spot and more; weak wood subject to storm damage

Bare Root Transplanting


Other

transplants well bare root or B & B; vigorous; seeds freely; shallow roots will buckle sidewalks and clog drain tiles; good for poor soils where few other trees will survive

Native Range Map

Native Range Map Image

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
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