Acer saccharinum

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Acer saccharinum
SILVER MAPLE

Aceraceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates R-18 (south of Thomasson Building), N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'39''

Planting history: presently unknown. Large old tree; >4½ feet wide! (diameter [DBH] 140.6 cm, 2/23/14).

Description:
  • tall deciduous tree
  • etymology: Acer is the classical name; Acer means sharp, probably from Roman spears with sharp tips, made from the wood of a maple species; saccharinum = sugary (sap)
  • leaves opposite (as in all maples); deeply palmately 5-lobed, and toothed, whitened beneath
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant); flowers small, greenish-yellow or reddish
  • fruit 2 joined samaras (winged achenes)
  • wood strong but brittle, therefore inferior to sugar and red maple; used for inexpensive furniture and crates
  • was popular as shade tree, but branches brittle and tend to split

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common) in New Castle County piedmont, Delaware

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