Photo ©2013–
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Photo ©2013–
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Silver Maple - Acer saccharinum
Family - Sapindaceae
Also known as - White Maple, Water Maple
Silver Maple is a very common deciduous tree species native to North America and Canada but introduced elsewhere as am ornamental, it frequently found in parkland, damp places, water sides and wet areas from where it gets the common name of "Water Maple". Relatively fast–growing to a height of 15–25m (49–82ft) with a spread of 11–15m (36–49ft). Palmate light green leaves, lighter and downy underneath, are 8–16cm (3.1–6.5in) deeply notched long with five main lobes which are again of five smaller lobes with toothed edges. Branching veins in the leaf align with the tips of each lobe. Each leaf has a thin stalk of approximately the same length as the leaf.
lowers in dense clusters appear before the leaves in early spring, mature to winged samaras in early summer are apparently the largest of any native maple. On mature trees the bark is grey and shaggy whilst branches and young trunks the bark is smooth and silvery grey. The wood although brittle is used in furniture, instruments, handles, flooring and pulped for paper.
FBCP do not advise or recommend that Silver Maple – Acer saccharinum is eaten or used as an herbal remedy. Not to be confused with the Sugar Maple – Acer saccharum, the sap of Silver Maple has been used as a cough medicine. Its sap has a lower sugar content than other Maples so is not generally used for commercial production.
 Photo ©2008 Derek Ramsey |
 Photo ©2008 Than217 |
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