Species: Acer saccharinum

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

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

Cultivars

'Beebe Cutleaf Weeping', 'Blair', 'Laciniatum Wieri', 'Silver Queen', 'Skinneri'

Ornamental Characteristics

Size: Tree > 30 feet

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

Leaves: Deciduous

Shape: oval to rounded

Ornamental Other: 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

Light: Full sun, Part shade

Hardy To Zone: 3a

Soil Ph: Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

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

Moisture Tolerance: 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