Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
A large deciduous tree known for its deeply lobed leaves with silvery-white undersides, often displaying signs of environmental stress or fungal leaf spot in humid conditions.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Prefers consistently moist soils; moderate drought tolerance once established, though prolonged dry spells can cause premature defoliation
- Growth
- Fast-growing deciduous tree reaching mature heights of 50 to 80 feet with an open, spreading canopy
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade, consistent moisture in well-draining soils, and standard maintenance pruning during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Prefers consistently moist soils; moderate drought tolerance once established, though prolonged dry spells can cause premature defoliation
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist, slightly acidic to neutral soils with good drainage
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 3 through 9
Growth habit
Fast-growing deciduous tree reaching mature heights of 50 to 80 feet with an open, spreading canopy
Bloom season
Early spring before leaf emergence, producing small greenish to reddish flowers without showy petals
Propagation
Propagated primarily from fresh seeds that mature in late spring, or through softwood cuttings taken in early summer
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and insect pests such as aphids and scale insects
Similar species
Red Maple (Acer rubrum), which features shallower leaf sinuses and red twigs, and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), which has less deeply lobed leaves with smooth green undersides