Acer saccharinum / Acero argenteo

Origin: Eastern regions of North America.

Botanical characteristics: It is a large fast-growing tree up to 30 mt high, cultivated both with one or more trunk. It has a wide crown, often with drooping branches. Bark is smooth and grey. Leaves are serrated with 5 very incised lobes, which are bright green on the upper side, silver-white on the lower one. In autumn they turn golden yellow and then can turn red. Flowering is divided in erected cluster. It blooms before the leaves crop up; fruits are samaras with long peduncles.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It prefers cool and moist soils and has a good resistance to pollution.

Use: It is very popular in Europe and is used as ornamental plant for its rapid growth. It can be planted alone or in groups of more plants, in parks and gardens, especially in lawns. It is not suitable for boulevards because of its low resistance to wind.