Acer saccharinumIndiana Native
Silver Maple

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family) 87

Genus:

Acer (Maple, Boxelder) 75

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 574

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 3 233

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Multi-Colored (Greenish-yellow to red without petals; Winter to spring; not generally ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Green leaves that are silver underneath; summer); Yellow (Poor yellow-green fall foliage; not ornamentally important)

Stem Notes:

Multicolor (Lustrous red brown turning gray in second year of growth)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Brown samaras, ripen late spring; not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

50-70 feet

Ultimate Spread:

40-50 feet

Bloom Times:

March 69

Fruiting Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 60

Soil Notes:

Very adaptable to soil type, tolerating extremely poor soils

Range:

Eastern United States

Maintenance:

Low 274

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Simple, opposite leaves are 3-6" long and wide having 5 lobes, with deep sinuses and double acuminate lobes. Leaves bright green above and silvery white beneath, pubescent when young. 3-5" petiole. Buds usually in clusters. Buds and stems are lustrous red to reddish-brown.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187

Additional Information

Grows largest along stream banks. One of the best trees for poor soils, and in places where a functional shade tree is quickly needed. Roots invade and clog drainage tiles, and break sidewalks. Very weak wooded. Many disease and insect problems.