Silver maple is a tall, fast growing, native tree of eastern North America. It is usually found growing in open sunlight along creeks and waterways. This species has become overplanted. Without proper and frequent pruning, high winds and ice can cause limbs to break. Many authorities recommend against planting silver maple.
This species is native to the Chicago region according to Wilhelm and Rericha’s Flora of the Chicago Region.
- Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
- Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
- Planting site Restricted sites
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 50-70 feet
- Mature width 30-50 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Wet sites
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Broad, Irregular, Upright
- Growth rate Fast
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Aggressive, Commonly planted, Highly susceptible to ice damage, Messy fruit/plant parts, Roots prone to invading sewer pipes, Weak wood and branch structure
- Wildlife Game birds, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Has cultivars Yes
