Acer saccharinum aka Silver Maple
Taxonomy
Acer saccharinum, commonly known as silver maple, creek maple, silverleaf maple, soft maple, large maple, water maple, swamp maple, or white maple, is a very vigorous deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada. It is one of the most common trees in the United States. This fast-growing tree has deeply palmately-lobed leaves that are green on top and silvery-white on the underside, creating a shimmering and dancing effect in the breeze. In autumn, the leaves turn red and yellow. Small yellow-green flowers bloom before the leaves appear. The silver maple tolerates a wide range of soil conditions but should be planted at least 10 feet away from sidewalks, drives, foundations, and sewer lines due to its vigorous root system. It can grow to a height of 50 to 80 feet, with a spread that is 2/3 of its height or wider than the tree is tall. It should not be confused with Acer saccharum, the sugar maple, and some of its common names are also used for other maples, particularly Acer rubrum.
Common names
Silver Maple, Sugar Maple, Soft MapleHow to care for Silver Maple
Difficulty
Caring for Silver Maple is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Silver Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
If you're planting Silver Maple, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Soft Maple is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Silver Maple will thrive!
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Silver Maple prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
The Silver Maple is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Silver Maple as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Silver Maple’s native range is Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Acer Genus
Acer circinatum Vine Maple
Acer argutum
Acer sempervirens Cretan Maple
Acer opalus Italian Maple
Acer davidii Father David's Maple
Acer crataegifolium Hawthorn Maple
Acer acuminatum
Acer capillipes Japanese Striped Maple
Acer saccharum Sugar Maple
