Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Species Type (commonly confused with cultivars like 'Fall Fiesta' or 'Legacy')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-8; highly cold tolerant but sensitive to soil compaction and urban pollution.
About This Tree
An upright, oval-to-rounded canopy tree with a dense crown. Notable for slow-to-moderate growth and spectacular multi-colored fall foliage ranging from yellow to burnt orange and scarlet red.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves typically 3-6 inches long with 5 distinct lobes. The lobes have sparse, pointed tips and U-shaped sinuses. Color transitions from medium green to brilliant orange/red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and brownish-gray when young, developing deep vertical furrows and thick, irregular plates that curl outward as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern North America (Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada)
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring; flowers in April–May; enters dormancy in late autumn after peak fall color reaching late October.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun to Partial Shade. Requires moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; moderate drought tolerance but susceptible to salt and extreme heat stress.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60-80 feet with a 40-50 foot spread; lifespan of 200-300 years; slow to moderate growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Primary source of maple syrup; outstanding fall color; high timber value for furniture and flooring (hard maple); low salt tolerance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for squirrels, birds, and small mammals; high ecological value for pollinators in early spring; larval host for several moth species.