How to Grow and Care for Silver maple

Silver maple, also known as Soft maple, Water maple, River maple, White maple, Creek maple

Silver maple is a robust and adaptable deciduous tree commonly incorporated into urban landscapes. It thrives in a variety of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained conditions. While silver maple can tolerate some drought, providing consistent moisture, especially in the early years, is crucial for healthy growth. However, silver maple is prone to storm damage due to its brittle wood, requiring strategic placement away from structures and regular pruning to manage its vigorous growth and maintain structural integrity.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Silver maple

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	5.5-7
Planting Time	Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter
Hardiness Zones	5-9

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Common Pests & Diseases

Feedback

Common issues for Silver maple based on 10 million real cases

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

More General Info About Silver maple

Feedback

Quickly Identify Silver maple

Feedback

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Silver maple is distinguished by its unique foliage with silvery undersides, providing a shimmering effect. The leaves are palmate with deep lobes, typically reaching 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) in width. Its bark is a characteristic gray to dark brown that develops a textured, shaggy look as it ages through flaky scales. The tree demonstrates a rapid growth habit and possesses a graceful, spreading form with branches prone to breakage.