Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (Common Sugar Maple)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8; very cold hardy but sensitive to extreme heat and urban pollution.
About This Tree
An upright, oval to rounded deciduous tree known for its dense crown and stately form. It has a moderate growth rate and develops a massive, symmetrical canopy that provides deep shade. It is famous for its vibrant fall color and as the primary source of maple syrup.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement; 3-5 inches wide with 5 distinct lobes. The lobes have sparse, large teeth. Color is medium to dark green in summer, turning brilliant shades of yellow, burnt orange, and bright red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown and smooth on young trees; becoming deeply furrowed with long, irregular, thick vertical plates that often flake or curl outward at the edges as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern North America (Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada)
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring; flowers emerge in April-May; seeds (samaras) ripen in autumn; enters dormancy after a brilliant fall foliage display in October.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; highly shade-tolerant when young. Requires moist, well-drained, fertile soil. It has moderate drought tolerance but prefers consistent moisture.
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 60-80 feet with a spread of 40-60 feet. Growth rate is slow to moderate (roughly 1 foot per year). Can live for 200-400 years.
Special Characteristics
High timber value for furniture and flooring; primary source for maple syrup production; exceptional fall color; sensitive to road salt and soil compaction.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides a significant food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and birds via its seeds (samaras). Its early spring flowers are a nectar source for bees. It serves as a vital nesting site for songbirds and a host plant for various moth larvae.