Maple, Silver (Y)
At a Glance
Latin Name: Acer saccharinum
Zones: 3-9
Other common names: silver maple, river maple, soft maple
Mature Height: 60-80 ft. grows fast
Soil / Climate: likes moist soils, It can grow in a wide range of climates and soils.
Notes: The Silver Maple gets its name from the Leaves being green on top and silvery-white on the underside. The roots are shallow and fibrous making it easy to transplant. The silver maple is closely related to the Red Maple, and can hybridise with it. It can quickly resprout itself and if not pruned, it will often grow with multiple trunks. It is widely used as an ornamental tree because of its rapid growth.
Makes a good shade tree. It is not highly colorful in fall.
Wildlife: Many mammals and birds eat the seeds. The large, rounded buds of the silver maple are one of the primary food sources for squirrels during the spring.
The seeds are the largest of any native maple. It also provides nesting sites for ducks and other birds. Beavers find the trees delicious. Browsed by deer and rabbits.
Purchase Size: 1-2 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information