Silver Maple
acer saccharinum
Also known as: ["Soft Maple","River Maple","Water Maple"]
Overview
A fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America, known for its distinctive five-lobed leaves with silvery undersides and vibrant fall color.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer saccharinum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor planting in open areas with adequate space for root spread
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; focus on selective branch removal rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun, protect from intense midday sun, and provide shade during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon rays; adjust shade as seasons change.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, avoid frequent shallow watering, and ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
moist, rich, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids prolonged frost.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care seasonally.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize once a year in spring; water before applying; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
- Or sow seeds, stratify, and keep moist.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) for cuttings; cold stratification for seeds.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining soil for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination takes 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting spray, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent material; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to control size, and removal of dead/diseased wood.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or crossing branches to improve structure and air circulation; shape as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead wood, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for young trees; mature trees may stay in the same container with soil refresh.
Method
Remove plant carefully, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot young trees every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth; mature trees may not need frequent repotting.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, avoid wetting foliage, ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply slowly to avoid runoff, and water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in heat, leaf drop or browning in cold, stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, protect from cold winds, and avoid watering before frost.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat and drought.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, water deeply, and increase humidity around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility, apply sparingly, water after fertilizing, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAcer saccharinum seeds are not toxic to cats. Large ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the seeds' fibrous content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicThe seeds of Acer saccharinum are not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to their fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicAcer saccharinum, commonly known as silver maple, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Silver Maple suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is adaptable to urban conditions but can have weak wood that may pose a risk in storm-prone areas.
Q: Does the Silver Maple have any medicinal uses?
A: Historically, Native Americans used parts of the tree for medicinal purposes, though modern use is limited.
Q: How fast does the Silver Maple grow?
A: It is one of the faster-growing maple species, often adding 2–3 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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