ACER SACCHARINUM / SILVER MAPLE

ACER SACCHARINUM / SILVER MAPLE

Fast-Growing Shade Tree with Graceful, Silvery Foliage

Acer saccharinum, or Silver Maple, is a large deciduous tree renowned for its rapid growth, elegant silvery leaves, and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. It is often chosen for its ability to quickly provide shade and its striking foliage, which creates a soft, shimmering effect in the wind. Silver Maple is an excellent choice for parks, large residential yards, and other spaces where a fast-growing shade tree is needed.

Why Choose Silver Maple?

• Rapid Growth: One of the fastest-growing maples, it can quickly provide shade and mature into a sizable tree.
• Graceful Silvery Foliage: The silver underside of the leaves gives a shimmering effect in the wind, adding beauty and interest.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Silver Maple is quite drought-tolerant, making it ideal for areas with inconsistent water supply.
• Wildlife Habitat: The tree supports a variety of birds and insects, adding to its ecological benefits.

Key Features:

• Distinctive Silvery Leaves: The leaves are bright green on top with a silver-white underside, creating a lovely contrast and shimmering effect.
• Fast Growth: Can grow up to 3 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 50–70 feet quickly.
• Adaptable to Moisture: Grows well in moist soils, making it perfect for planting near ponds, streams, or in low-lying areas.
• Fall Foliage: Offers a brilliant yellow to orange fall color, adding seasonal interest.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 50–70 feet tall, 40–60 feet wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a variety of soil types.

Ideal Uses:

• Shade Tree: Excellent for providing shade in larger residential yards, parks, or street plantings.
• Street Tree: With its rapid growth and tall stature, Silver Maple is ideal for street plantings where a tall, fast-growing tree is needed.
• Wetland Areas: Performs well in areas with periodic flooding or near streams and ponds due to its ability to handle moist conditions.

While Silver Maple is fast-growing and attractive, it does require regular maintenance due to its tendency to develop weak wood and surface roots. However, its ability to thrive in a range of conditions makes it a versatile and valuable tree in many landscape settings.

• NATIVE TO ONTARIO