Water Maple Acer saccharinum

Silver maple is a large shade tree in the maple family (Sapindaceae).  It gets its common name from the silvery undersides of its leaves. It is native to eastern North America and can be found in flood plains, along streams or rivers. The Genus name is Latin for maple. The specific epithet means sugary in reference to the sweet sap.

This is a fast-growing tree reaching 50-80 feet tall and 40-60 feet wide with a rounded spreading crown. It will grow in poor acidic wet soils where other trees won't. It is highly adaptable to other soil types and tolerates urban conditions. Plant in full sun to light shade. The roots are shallow and will disturb driveways and sidewalks and invade septic systems and other drains. The wood is weak and breaks easily in storms and with snow loads.

The silvery underside of the leaves looks showy in the wind and the shaggy bark adds additional interest. Fall color is not very showy. Inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by winged samaras. 

Silver maple is closely related to the red maple and will hybridize with it creating the Freeman maple. This tree is a much better choice as it combines the fast growth with stronger wood, less invasive roots and red fall color.

Silver maple can be used as a shade tree, in a rain garden and in areas with poor or wet soil.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems though scale and borers may be present. Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and canker can affect stressed trees.  See potential disease and insect problem fact sheets to the left.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common maple diseases and insect pests.

Site: Full sun, Partial Shade

VIDEO created by Grant L. Thompson for “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines for Landscaping” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.