Silver maple

Acer saccharinum L.

Family: Sapindaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats and horses: ASPCA was searched by species and common names and has no page that assesses this plant. Neither NC State nor UF/IFAS states any toxicity information for this species. NC State lists 'swamp maple' as a silver maple name and an ASPCA 'Swamp Maple' page exists (its contents are not confirmed); ASPCA's red maple (Acer rubrum) page lists red maple as toxic to horses (wilted leaves). Do not treat silver maple as clear for horses until the ASPCA pages are checked for it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Acer saccharinum, not on the common name.. 'Swamp maple' is one of NC State's common names for silver maple (Acer saccharinum), and ASPCA also has a page titled 'Swamp Maple' that appeared in search results next to its Red Maple page. Red maple (Acer rubrum) is listed by ASPCA as toxic to horses. Check by scientific name, not common name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 3A-9B per UF/IFAS EDIS ST048 (agrees)
Light: Full sun to part shade (2-6 hours of direct sun) per NC State.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US: 50-80 ft tall, 40-60 ft wide per NC State (species); 60-80 ft tall, 40-60 ft spread per UF/IFAS; CA: forest-grown trees to about 35 m (about 115 ft) tall per Natural Resources Canada
Where it comes from: Eastern and central North America, typically floodplains and stream banks (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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