Silver Maple
Acer saccharinumfam. Sapindaceae
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medicinaledibletall treesedible leaftreenative amedible seedmedicinaledibleedible sapedible inner bark
Pl. 6892 — Acer saccharinum
Acer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinumAcer saccharinum
IOverview
Overview
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family and is commonly found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Native to Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ontario, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin, this tree thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types with a pH ranging from 4 to 7.3. Known for its ornamental value due to the silver-white bark that contrasts against dark green leaves, Silver Maple also has edible and medicinal uses. Its inner bark, leaves, sap, and seeds are all part of its edible profile, while its light requirement ranges from full sun to partial shade. This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall, making it a prominent feature in landscapes and natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Silver Maple?
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family and is commonly found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Silver Maple & Lady's Bedstraw
skintincture
Traditionally used for skin conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Silver Maple thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-9 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil pH ranges between 4 and 7.3 for optimal growth. Propagate through seeds or inner bark cuttings. Leaves, sap, and seed are edible parts of this tree.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
4–7.3
For first-time growers
How to grow Silver Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with a Silver Maple sapling for the easiest beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Silver Maple sapling, garden gloves, spade or shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light or partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 4-7.3).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling in early spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for signs of stress like wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, more often in dry periods. Fertilize sparingly with slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged branches as needed. Harvest inner bark for tannins if you have the right tools and knowledge.
- 8
Common mistakes
...
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesSapSeed
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:CompanionDyeAnimal feedPreservativeRustWind breakerLumberDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 10 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 14 native· 10 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaGermanyHungaryPoland
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)South KoreaUzbekistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Ecuador
Broader regions
native:Minnesota, Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, Ontario, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin
introduced:Czechoslovakia
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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