Common names (selected): English: creek maple, river maple, silver maple, soft maple, water maple, white maple
Description: Deciduous tree
Native regions and distribution: Native to eastern and central North America but also currently found in the western U.S.
Urban habitat: Commonly found near streams and rivers in sandy soils, thrives in full sun. It is also tolerant of compacted soil and roadway salt and can be found growing in deep swamps.
Ecological function: Food and habitat for wildlife, heat reduction in paved areas, stream bank stabilization and nutrient absorption in wetlands.
History/human uses: A fast growing and tall tree, Acer saccharinum was once commonly planted as a street tree. A number of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chippewa, Dakota, Iroquois, Ojibwa, and Winnebago, utilized the bark of this tree to treat coughs, venereal disease, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, used it as a diuretic and consumed its sap as a sweetener. Its bark was also used to make black dye used in tanning leather. Its wood has been used to make furniture, baskets, and arrows.