Acer saccharinum Laciniatum Wieri - Maple

The Acer saccharinum 'Laciniatum Wieri' is an old variety of Silver Maple distinguished for its light, deeply cut, foliage quite similar to those of the Japanese Maple. This fast-growing, tall tree reaches about 20 m (65ft) in height, with a somewhat untidy spread and slightly drooping branches. Its lovely light green foliage, bronze when the buds burst, reveals its white underside in the teasing breeze ... but be careful, too many strong gusts can expose the brittle nature of the branches. For this reason, avoid planting the Silver Maple too close to buildings. It will look majestic as a free-standing specimen in a large garden. It thrives in cool, even damp soil, as long as its powerful root system has enough room to grow deep both under and above ground.

Native to North America, the Acer saccharinum, not to be confused with the Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), is known as the Silver Maple, White Maple or White River Maple depending on the region. It is a large tree of the Aceraceae family that grows naturally along rivers, lakes and marshy areas, where it can reach up to 35 m (115ft) in height.

The Acer saccharinum 'Laciniatum Wieri' was introduced by D. B. Wier in the United States in 1875. It has a rounded, spreading, airy and somewhat drooping habit. It can reach about 20 m (65ft) in height and 15 m (49ft) in spread depending on the climate. Its deciduous foliage is made up of large leaves deeply cut into 5 pointed and finely-toothed lobes, light green on the upper side and silvery white on the underside. They measure 8 to 15 cm (3.1 - 5.9 in) in length and are borne on red petioles or stalks. Bronze when the bud bursts, they turn a golden yellow in autumn that can be seen from afar. Flowering occurs in March, before the leaves appear. The small inconspicuous yellow-green, pollen-rich flowers are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The abundant fruiting consists of winged fruits called samaras. It only appears on trees that are at least 20 years old and is much appreciated by birds and small mammals. The bark of the branches is smooth and grey. As it ages, it peels off in large flakes.

The Acer saccharinum 'Laciniatum Wieri' is a vigorous, fast-growing tree that is perfectly resistant to severe frost. It thrives in deep, moist, even wet soil. It prefers clayey soils and is sensitive to excessive chalk or lime. A well-established specimen can tolerate dry soil. Planted as a free-standing specimen in a park or large garden, it will be majestic from spring to autumn. Due to its vulnerability to wind, it is advisable not to plant it along paths or near buildings. Its root system spreads considerably in depth and width, including on the surface. For this reason, care should also be taken to plant it at a good distance from paved areas and pipes.