Acer saccharinum Pyramidale - Maple

Acer saccharinum 'Pyramidale' is an excellent variety of Silver Maple with an upright and spreading habit. This fast-growing tree is slightly smaller than is typical in the species, reaching a height of about 20 m (65.62 ft) with a spread of 12 m (39.37 ft). For this reason, it is more resistant to the wind. Its foliage is reddish-blue when the buds burst, turning dark green with silver-white undersides in summer, and golden yellow in autumn. Avoid planting the Silver Maple too close to buildings. It is majestic planted as a specimen in a large garden. It thrives in moist to wet soil, as long as its strong root system has enough space to develop both in depth and spread.

Native to North America, the Acer saccharinum, not to be confused with Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), is known as Silver Maple, White Maple, or Silver-leaf Maple depending on the region. It is a large tree in the Aceraceae family that grows naturally along rivers, lakes, and marshy areas, where it can reach up to 35 m (114.83 ft) in height.

The Acer saccharinum 'Pyramidale' was bred in Germany in 1885 by the L. Späth nursery. It has an upright, columnar habit that becomes more rounded and spreading with age. Depending on the climate, it reaches 20 m (65.62 ft) in height with a spread of 12 m (39.37 ft). The deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves deeply divided into 5 pointed and toothed lobes, dark green on top and silver-white underneath, 10 to 15 cm (3.9 - 5.9 in) in length. In autumn, they turn a striking orange-yellow color. Flowering occurs in March, before the leaves appear. The small yellowish-green, pollen-rich flowers are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The abundant fruiting consists of two-winged samaras and only appears on specimens at least 20 years old. It is much appreciated by birds and small mammals. The bark of the branches is smooth and grey, peeling off into large flakes as it ages.

The Acer saccharinum 'Pyramidale' is a vigorous, fast-growing tree, resistant to severe frosts. It thrives in deep, moist, or even wet soil. It prefers rather clayey soils and dislikes excessive lime or chalk. A well-established specimen can tolerate dry soil. Planted as a specimen tree in a park or a large garden, it will be majestic from spring to autumn. Even though it is less fragile than is typical in the species, it is advisable not to plant it along paths or near buildings where its brittle branches could cause damage. Its root system spreads considerably both in depth and spread, including on the surface. For this reason, it is also important to plant it at a good distance from paved areas and pipes.