Description
Silver Maple is a common maple found from the northern tier of states to the gulf. In Michigan it is found along riverbanks and other damp areas. In the past it has been widely planted on lawns and parks mainly for it’s fast growth and shade. The silver Maple loves moisture but can grow on a wide variety of soils in the US. It does have the nasty habit of shedding branches all summer.
As a child growing up in Lansing, Michigan we had a silver maple in the back yard. I would shinny up the tree, as the bark on the smaller branches is very smooth, to enjoy the views. Alas the tree was cut down some years ago by the current owner. On the farm I have a silver maple and a red oak, both planted next to each other in 1982. The silver maple is about 20% larger than the red oak now.
Scientific Name: Acer saccharinum
Zone: 3-9 Find Your Growing Zone
Mature Height: 50-70 ft
Mature Width: 30-50 ft
Fruit: Winged samara
Flowers: Small red to greenish-yellow fringed flowers
Bloom Time: Spring
Growth rate: Fast
Soil: Moist, well-drained or wet soil
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Flood Tolerance: Moderate
Sun Requirements: Sun or part-shade
Fall Color: yellow, orange, red
Wildlife Value: Game birds, songbirds and cover.
