Acer saccharinum
Silver Maple

Mature Height: 60-125'     Longevity: 150 years

3-9 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

4-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Literature indicates A.saccharinum rarely if ever found in dry areas. Some drought tolerance identified.

9: Although better drained sites preferred multiple reports of presence & even dominance in swamps w/ flooding up to 25% of growing season.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid presence through Z4 w/ few overlaps into Z3. Z4 seems more appropriate since presence in Z3 is very limited and at transition between Z3 & Z4 around the Great Lakes. (SOUTH) Solid through Z7 w/ few intrusions into Z8 mostly in AL & MS. Z7 seems more appropriate.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Same comments as NAS. (SOUTH) More presence in Z8 w/ deep intrusions in FL, AL, MS & some of LA. Z8 more appropriate.

8   Sun Strength

5   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6.8 = slightly > rapid
+.3 = pioneer capable
+.2 = 1 Major & 3 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
0 = 75'
0 = 125'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
4.5 = slightly < Intermediate
0 = not climax
+.2 = 1 Major & 3 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
0 = 75'
-.3 = 150yrs

TOTAL SCORE (7.5): Reports of tree growing to 45' in 20 years (NRCS Plants database) lead to assignment of 6.8 for growth rate. Height of tree w/ short lifespan also seem to reflect very fast growth for tree.

TOTAL SCORE (4.6): Range of shade tolerances reported between low and very tolerant. Appears to be slightly less than intermediate shade tolerance. Wide range of soil suitability offset by short age & salt susceptibility.

2   Fire Strength

1   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: none-low (Big Tree) = 2-3
Thin bark, short bole length, shallow root system, short longevity, high susceptibility to disease after damage all indicate a very fire intolerant tree. Morphology strong support of lowering score.
Final Value = 2

DEFENSE
Base Score: none-low (Big Tree)= 1-2
Windthrow probably uncommon due to medium height, extensive roots & propensity to shed limbs during storm. However, weak wood, frequent numerous limb loss & vulnerability to disease when damaged indicate substantial tree vulnerability from even small storms.
Final Value = 1