Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) – Plugs

Silver Maple Seedling – Acer saccharinum

The Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree known for its striking silver-backed leaves and graceful shape. Perfect for creating shade in larger landscapes, urban parks, or along streets, the Silver Maple is admired for its quick growth and resilience. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions and offers an excellent option for anyone looking to add a vibrant, low-maintenance tree to their property.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Acer saccharinum

• Height at Maturity: 50-80 feet (15-24 meters)

• Spread: 40-50 feet (12-15 meters)

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Soil Preference: Adaptable to moist, well-drained soils, including clay and loam

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

• Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Description:

• Leaves: The Silver Maple is known for its large, palmate leaves with deeply lobed edges. In the summer, the leaves are a vibrant green, but they have a silvery underside, giving the tree a shimmering effect when the wind blows.

• Flowers: In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the tree produces small red flowers in clusters, adding early-season color and attracting pollinators like bees.

• Bark: The bark of the Silver Maple is smooth and light gray when young, becoming darker and more furrowed as the tree matures.

• Seed Samaras: In late spring, the tree produces small, winged seeds called samaras, which are dispersed by the wind, allowing the tree to naturally propagate across a wide area.

• Wood: While the wood of the Silver Maple is lighter and softer than other maples, it is still used in some furniture and cabinetry. Its primary benefit is the rapid growth of the tree itself.

Why Choose Silver Maple?

• Fast Growth & Shade: Ideal for quickly establishing shade in your yard or garden, the Silver Maple provides cooling relief during hot summers, making it a great tree for larger yards or streetscapes.

• Low Maintenance: This tree is relatively easy to grow, requiring little care once established. It’s also tolerant of various soil types and can handle periods of drought and wet conditions.

• Wildlife Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators, and the seeds provide food for birds and small mammals. The tree also offers shelter and nesting sites.

• Aesthetic Appeal: The Silver Maple’s shimmering, silvery leaves and graceful branches add texture and beauty to any landscape, especially in windy conditions where the leaves catch the light.

Whether you’re looking for a tree that provides quick shade, attracts wildlife, or simply adds beauty to your property, the Silver Maple is a wonderful choice. With its rapid growth and low maintenance, it’s an excellent addition to any landscape that needs both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.