Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Difficulty:⭐☆☆☆☆

Seed Collection Time:

Late spring — typically May through early June, earlier than most maples.

Signs seeds are ready:

• Produces paired, winged samaras (helicopter-like seeds) that are light green to tan when mature.

• Seeds fall naturally from trees in large numbers and germinate quickly.

• Mature samaras are plump, firm, and come loose easily when shaken.

Seed collection steps:

1. Collect samaras from the ground shortly after they fall, or gently pull mature ones from low branches.

2. Avoid any that are cracked, moldy, or shriveled.

3. Do not dry the seeds — Silver Maple seeds are recalcitrant and lose viability quickly if allowed to dry out.

Germination tip:

• No dormancy required — seeds are non-dormant and germinate immediately in moist, warm soil.

• Sow as soon as possible after collection.

• If needed, store in moist medium in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks before planting.

Germination usually occurs within 1–2 weeks when kept moist and warm.