Acer saccharinum
Silver maple
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Family: Sapindaceae · Type: Tree · Not Native
Acer saccharinum (Silver maple) is a non-native California tree in the Sapindaceae family, recognized by white leaf undersurface and early flowering.
Silver maple is a naturalized tree found in the Sacramento Valley in riparian woodland at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from February to March, this tree produces small greenish flowers in dense clusters that emerge before the leaves. Growing to 20 meters tall with a spreading form, it features deeply lobed leaves with distinctive white to white-green undersides. Its large leaves measure 8 to 13 centimeters long and wide, with five lobes that are coarsely toothed and extend halfway to three-quarters of the leaf length. The fruit develops winged seeds that spread at dramatic 60 to 120 degree angles from the branch.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by white leaf undersurface and early flowering
Habitat and range
Habitat: Riparian woodland
Elevation: < 50 m
California counties: Glenn, Los Angeles, Orange, Inyo, Shasta, Sacramento, Butte, Sutter, Santa Clara, Yolo, Marin
Outside California: eastern United States, Canada
Bloom period
Acer saccharinum blooms Feb-Mar.
How to tell it apart
vs Platanus: Maple fruits are paired helicopters; sycamore has hanging ball-like seed clusters and peeling bark.; vs Liquidambar: Maple fruits split into two wings; sweetgum has spiky round seed balls and star-shaped leaves with pointed lobes.; vs Quercus: Maple leaves have palmate veins radiating from base; oak leaves have pinnate veins branching from midrib.; vs Fraxinus: Maples have simple lobed leaves; ash has compound leaves with 5-9 separate leaflets arranged feather-like.; vs Morus: Maple fruits are dry winged samaras; mulberry produces fleshy blackberry-like fruits and has milky sap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acer saccharinum native to California?
No. Acer saccharinum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Acer saccharinum bloom?
Acer saccharinum blooms Feb-Mar.
Where in California does Acer saccharinum grow?
Acer saccharinum occurs in Glenn, Los Angeles, Orange, Inyo, Shasta, Sacramento, Butte, Sutter and other counties, at elevations of < 50 m.
What plant family does Acer saccharinum belong to?
Acer saccharinum is in the Sapindaceae family, genus Acer.
What habitat does Acer saccharinum grow in?
Acer saccharinum grows in Riparian woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.