Acer saccharinum
About this plant
Maple Acer
Maples (Acer) form a large genus of trees and shrubs, nearly all from the northern hemisphere and many from China. They range from small multi-stemmed trees to large shade trees. Their opposite, usually lobed leaves, colourful young growth, winged fruits and above all their fiery autumn colours make them garden classics.
Acer saccharinum
The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is a large, fast-growing tree from North America, where it lines rivers and lakes and can reach 35 m. Its deeply cut, five-lobed leaves are green above and silvery white beneath, so the crown shimmers in the wind. They turn yellow, now and then orange, in autumn; small greenish flowers appear in March before the leaves.
Location and soil
It thrives in full sun or partial shade in deep, moist or even wet soil and prefers loamy to clay ground; it dislikes too much lime. Established trees also put up with drier soil. It is fully hardy. The vigorous, shallow root system needs plenty of room and can lift paving, so keep it well away from buildings.
Pruning and care
Little maintenance is needed. The wood is fairly brittle and branches can break in strong wind, so check the crown regularly and remove weak, crossing or damaged branches in winter, from December to February. Formative pruning while the tree is young helps build a sturdy framework.
Use in the garden
A majestic tree for parks, large gardens and wet sites along water. Because of its size, its spreading roots and the risk of branch breakage, it is nowadays planted more as a park tree than as a street tree. The early flowers provide nectar, and the seeds feed birds and small mammals.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | saccharinum |