Silver Maple — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Acer saccharinum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–3650 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 914.4–1524 |
| Mature height (cm) | 1219.2–2133.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 914.4–1524 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | High |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Silver Maple is the fastest-growing of the native maples, native to the streambanks, bottomlands, and moist lowlands of eastern North America from New Brunswick to Florida and west to the Dakotas, producing a new flush of growth each season that can exceed 3 feet per year in rich, moist alluvial soil. It is among the first native trees to bloom in late winter (February–March), producing clusters of tiny red flowers on bare branches that are one of the most important early pollen and nectar sources of the year for native bees emerging from winter dormancy. The leaves are deeply lobed with silvery-white undersides that shimmer and flash in the breeze, creating a beautiful display in summer wind storms; fall color is modest — pale yellow to orange. The wood is softer and weaker than other maples and Silver Maple is prone to branch breakage in ice storms, making maintenance planning important; it is most appropriate for wet, low-lying sites near water where its moisture tolerance, fast growth, and wildlife value are assets. Keep away from foundations and sewer lines.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0