Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, common wild-type northern hardwood
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
About This Tree
A large, stately deciduous tree featuring a dense, oval-to-rounded crown, upright branching, and moderate to slow growth rate. Known for its exceptional canopy density and premier fall color display.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves with 5 palmate lobes, coarsely toothed margins, and deep U-shaped sinuses. They are medium to dark green above, paler beneath, and measure 3 to 6 inches across.
Bark Characteristics
Gray to brownish-gray bark that is smooth on young stems, becoming deeply furrowed with vertical plates and ridges that often curve outward as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, extending into southeastern Canada and south along the Appalachian Mountains.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring after inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers bloom; foliage remains vibrant green through summer, turns brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn, and drops before winter dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Requires consistent, moderate soil moisture and good drainage; has low tolerance for prolonged drought or severe soil compaction.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 60 to 75 feet with a spread of 45 to 50 feet, growing at a slow to moderate rate with a lifespan exceeding 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for spectacular autumn foliage and as the primary source for producing maple syrup. High-density hardwood valued for furniture and flooring.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical canopy cover and nesting sites for songbirds and small mammals. Seeds (samaras) are eaten by squirrels, finches, and other wildlife, and twigs are browsed by deer.