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Description
Acer Saccharinum, commonly known as the silver maple tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. This tree is known for its rapid growth and can reach up to 100 feet in height. The leaves of the silver maple tree are deeply lobed and have a silvery-white underside, which gives the tree its name. The tree produces red flowers in early spring and has a winged fruit called a samara that matures in late spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The silver maple tree has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify. The leaves of the tree are deeply lobed and have a silvery-white underside. The bark of young trees is smooth and grayish-brown, while mature trees have a rough, furrowed bark. The tree produces red flowers in early spring that are followed by the samaras, which are winged fruits that mature in late spring.
Care Guide
The silver maple tree is relatively easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:- Water: The silver maple tree prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought conditions. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.- Soil: The silver maple tree can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soil.- Sunlight: The tree can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The silver maple tree is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The silver maple tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause the leaves of the tree to wilt and turn yellow or brown.- Tar Spot: This fungal disease causes black spots to form on the leaves of the tree.- Scale Insects: These insects feed on the sap of the tree and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.- Japanese Beetles: These insects feed on the leaves of the tree and can cause extensive damage.
Habitat
The silver maple tree is native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including floodplains, swamps, and riverbanks. The tree can grow in a variety of soil types and can tolerate wet soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does the silver maple tree grow?
A: The silver maple tree is known for its rapid growth and can grow up to 2-3 feet per year.
Q: When is the best time to prune a silver maple tree?
A: The best time to prune a silver maple tree is in late winter or early spring before the tree begins to leaf out.
Q: Is the silver maple tree a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the silver maple tree is an excellent shade tree due to its large size and wide-spreading canopy.
Q: Can the silver maple tree be grown as a bonsai?
A: Yes, the silver maple tree can be grown as a bonsai but requires careful pruning and maintenance.
Related Plants
– Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)- Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple)- Acer Negundo (Box Elder)- Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple)
References
– “Acer saccharinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279931&isprofile=0&.- “Silver Maple.” Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=930.- “Silver Maple Tree.” The Tree Center, www.thetreecenter.com/silver-maple-tree/.
