treeN. America Native

Silver Maple

Name: Silver Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer saccharinum

$98.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

840 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium (80-100+ years)

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharinum is a very large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America, typically found in bottomlands and along stream banks. It is characterized by deeply-lobed leaves with a silvery underside that flashes in the wind. Its most notable trait is its extremely rapid growth rate, making it one of the fastest ways to get a large shade tree. However, this fast growth results in weak, brittle wood and an aggressive, shallow root system.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental feature is the foliage, which has silvery undersides that create a beautiful shimmering effect in a breeze. Its shaggy, gray bark on mature trees adds some winter interest. Fall color is typically a pale yellow.

Due to its rapid growth, it is one of the most effective trees for providing quick shade and for use in reforestation and soil stabilization projects, particularly along waterways.

Silver maple is an important native tree. Its early spring flowers provide a vital, early nectar and pollen source for bees. The seeds are eaten by squirrels and birds, and the cavities in older trees provide nesting sites for various animals.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with ample space, at least 30 feet from structures.
This tree thrives in moist to wet soils but adapts to many types.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil and water deeply.
Mulch the area to conserve moisture, keeping it off the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant this tree only in large, open areas far from buildings, septic systems, and sidewalks due to its weak wood and invasive roots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of water, especially when establishing.
Give it a very large space to grow to its mature size.
Prune when young to encourage a strong branching structure.
Be prepared for regular cleanup of fallen twigs and seeds.

Don't

Do not plant near homes, driveways, or sewer lines.
Avoid planting in small yards or under power lines.
Don't be alarmed by heavy sap 'bleeding' if pruned in late winter or spring.
Refrain from topping the tree, which creates weak, hazardous regrowth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing shade for large, open areasEffective for soil stabilization in riparian zonesNaturalistic plantings in parks and reclamation sites

Companion Plants

Platanus occidentalis Salix nigra Populus deltoides Cornus amomum Cephalanthus occidentalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Maple questions

What zones can Silver Maple grow in?

Silver Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Silver Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Silver Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Silver Maple bloom?

Silver Maple typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Silver Maple need full sun?

Silver Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.