Silver maple - Acer saccharinum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Silver maple

Also known as: Water maple, White maple

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is one of the most common deciduous trees in the United States and southeast Canada. It is a 15 to 25 m tall, fast-growing, sun-loving tree. Its leaves have deeper angular notches between the five lobes than many other maple species. Silver maple is often found along waterways and wetlands, earning it an alternative name 'Water maple'.

Scientific classification

Species

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Green, Yellow, Red, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Red

Flower Color

Red, Green, Yellow, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Silver maple

Attributes of Silver maple

Growth Rate

The rapid growth rate of silver maple prominently manifests in the Spring and Summer seasons. During these periods, silver maple exhibits a significant increase in leaf production, quickly reaching its maximum canopy spread. There's a notable height increase, yielding tall, robust trunks. The rapid growth facilitates early maturity, resulting in flowering within a few years. As an insightful horticultural fact, silver maple's swift growth rate makes it ideal for landscape settings needing swift canopy closure.

Distribution of Silver maple

Distribution Map

The native range of silver maple is the central and eastern regions of North America. Silver maple is found in moist woodland conditions, such as floodplains. This tree has been cultivated as an ornamental in its native range and has been introduced to parts of Asia, Europe, and South America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Banks of rivers, sandy soils, deep often submerged swamps

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

It is a first-class raw material for furniture, wooden flooring, bookcases and musical instruments; syrup made from silver maple is edible and can be processed into food.

Garden Use

Silver maple is an excellent landscaping tree for streets and parks, but it is also a popular choice for private yards and gardens. It is prized for its quick growth and ability to provide shade much earlier than most other trees, as well as for its small, attractive blooms and green and silvery leaves. Good companions to plant beneath this tree include Columbines, Wintergreen, and St. John's wort.

Symbolism

Persistence, warmth, sincerity, abundance, strength, tapping into the wisdom of dreams

Interesting Facts

The maple leaf is a symbol of spirit in the hearts of the Canadian people. Those who can catch its leaves will get good luck and blessings. Those who see the falling of its leaves with their beloved ones will get good blessings.

Name Story

Silver maple: Compared with the typical maple tree, its most unique feature is that its branches and trunks are silver gray, and its tree bark has a silver-white hairy texture. So, it is called silver maple.

Water-maple||River maple: In the United States, it is a common tree and is often spotted in parks or gardens. However, if you happen to go to wetlands or riversides, it's still easy to find. As it is adaptable to wet environments, there is no need to worry about rotting roots caused by water. Also, its capability to adapt to wet environments leads to the naming of the water-maple or river maple.

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Quickly Identify Silver maple

Palmate leaves with deep lobes and silvery undersides, 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) wide.

Bark transitions from gray to dark brown, developing shaggy textured scales with age.

Rapid growth habit with weak, brittle branches prone to breakage in high winds.

Distinctive samara fruit with wing pairs spanning 80 to 90 degrees for wind dispersal.

Clustered flowers in small greenish-yellow to red blooms from February to April.

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Care Guide for Silver maple

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Silver maple thrives in moist soils along waterways, preferring consistent moisture while being moderately drought-tolerant. Water once every 1-2 weeks, allowing slight soil drying. Typically grown outdoors, silver maple benefits from mulching to retain moisture and replicate its natural habitat's leaf litter.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of silver maple, use balanced fertilizer in spring and high-nitrogen in early fall. Fertilize annually to maintain vigor, adjusting amounts based on silver maple's life stage and conditions. Always water well after fertilizing to enhance nutrient uptake and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Silver maple thrives with early spring pruning, removing dead or crossing branches for healthy structure. Make cuts outside the branch collar to prevent disease. This practice promotes sunlight and air circulation, reduces pests, and maintains size, ensuring an attractive landscape. Follow expert guidelines for optimal care.

Propagation: Silver maple is a fast-growing, adaptable ornamental tree ideal for larger landscapes. Propagate via semi-hardwood cuttings in active growth with rooting hormone, ensuring a well-draining medium and adequate moisture while protecting from intense sunlight until rooting is established.

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Images of Silver maple

Attributes of Silver maple

Distribution of Silver maple

Culture

Quickly Identify Silver maple

Care Guide for Silver maple

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