Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum

Dimensions:

• Height: 50’ - 80’

• Mature spread: 35’ - 50’

• Trunk Diameter: 5’ - 6’

Habitat and Range:

• common throughout Kentucky

• prefers river banks and floodplains

Features:

• also called “water maple”

• maple seeds are sometimes known as helicopter seeds, consisting of two conjoined wings, each surrounding a seed

• known for its rapid growth

• wood is brittle and branches break easily

• used for wood in furniture, flooring and other products

History:

• Early settlers in Ohio Valley found its sap to be superior to other maple trees for sugar quality, but production was too slow for commercial purposes

• trees were a staple in many new towns and homesteads on the frontier because of their rapid growth and ability to adapt to a variety of soil conditions

• rich history intertwined with Indigenous knowledge, European exploration and cultural significance, dating back millions of years