Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
About This Tree
A magnificent large tree with a dense, oval to rounded crown. Known for its slow-to-moderate growth and spectacular longevity.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite, 3-5 inches wide with five palmate lobes and narrow sinuses; dark green in summer turning brilliant yellow, orange, or red in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown and smooth when young; developing long, irregular, thick plates or ridges that curl outward at the edges with age; darkens significantly over time.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern North America, from Quebec to the Tennessee mountains
Growing Season
Buds break in early spring; flowers appear with leaves; fruit (samaras) matures in autumn before dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil; moderate drought tolerance once established but sensitive to salt.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60-80 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet; can live over 300 years.
Special Characteristics
Primary source of maple syrup; exceptional fall color; highly valued for high-quality timber used in flooring and furniture.
Wildlife & Ecology
Browsed by white-tailed deer and moose; seeds eaten by squirrels and songbirds; cavity-nesting site for woodpeckers and owls; important for early-season pollinators.