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Silver Maple vs. Sugar Maple Seedlings: Leaf Shape Differences

A gardener in Morris, IL, had both mature sugar and silver maples. Seedlings (4 inches) appeared throughout the yard. They wanted to know how to distinguish them at that young age.

Expert Guidance

Compare leaves for distinct differences: separate into two piles based on overall appearance (more vs. less pointed, fuller vs. thinner, front vs. back color). Silver maple leaves are pinnate (thinner, like pin oak), coarsely toothed, with deep sinuses. Sugar maple leaves are more palmate with smooth margins, resembling the Canadian flag leaf. Reassess as leaves mature.

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