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Overview
Acer saccharinum is silver maple (soft maple), a large deciduous tree growing 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall and 35-50 feet (10-15 m) wide with an open spreading canopy. Deeply 5-lobed leaves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide with narrow sinuses — medium green above and silvery-white beneath (the silver underside flashes in wind). Turns yellow to pale orange in fall — fall color is inconsistent and often dull. Red to yellow-green flowers in dense clusters along the branches in February-March, before leaves emerge. In Sapindaceae. Native to eastern North America — primarily floodplains and stream banks. One of the fastest-growing native hardwoods: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) per year when young. The fast growth produces brittle wood — branches break in wind, ice, and snow storms. This brittleness is the primary limitation and the reason many municipalities have banned silver maple as a street tree. Aggressive shallow surface roots heave pavement, invade sewer lines, and dominate lawn areas within the drip line. Heavy seed production in late spring. Toxic to pets (gallic acid in wilted/dried leaves). Zones 3-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America — New Brunswick to South Dakota, south to Florida and Oklahoma. Found on floodplains, stream banks, and low-lying wet areas.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade tree in large landscapes, parks, and rural properties with space for the 35-50 foot (10-15 m) spread. Tolerates wet sites. Not for small lots, near pavement, or as a street tree (brittle wood, aggressive roots). Toxic to pets. Zones 3-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread35' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to early spring (February-March). Red to yellow-green tiny flowers in dense clusters along branches before leaves emerge. 3 weeks of bloom. Wind-pollinated. Paired samaras ripen May-June (earlier than most maples).Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red to yellow-green, tiny, in dense clusters along the branches before leaves emergeFoliage Description
Medium green above, silvery-white beneath (the silver underside flashes in wind — the source of the common name); deeply 5-lobed with narrow sinuses, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide; turns yellow to pale orange in fall — fall color is inconsistent and often dullGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Moist soil pH 4.5-7.0 — tolerates wet sites and periodic flooding. Prune only in summer (July-August). Brittle wood — branches break in storms. Aggressive surface roots — do not plant near pavement, foundations, or sewer lines. Toxic to pets. Zones 3-9.Pruning
Prune only in summer (July-August) to avoid sap bleeding. Remove dead, crossing, and narrow-angled crotch branches (weak attachment points prone to storm breakage). Structural pruning when young reduces storm damage later. Professional arborist work recommended for mature trees.Pruning Schedule
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