Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (wild type), variable in natural populations
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8
About This Tree
A large, stately deciduous tree featuring a dense, rounded to oval crown. Known for its strong branching habit, moderate growth rate, and exceptional brilliant fall color ranging from yellow to orange and bright red.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves with 3 to 5 deeply toothed lobes and U-shaped sinuses. Medium to dark green in summer, turning striking shades of yellow, burnt orange, and red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and light gray when young, becoming darker, deeply furrowed, and ridged with vertical plates that often curl slightly outward as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, extending into parts of southeastern Canada and south along the Appalachian Mountains
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces small greenish-yellow flowers in spring concurrently with leaves, produces winged samaras (helicopter seeds) in late summer, enters winter dormancy after dropping brilliant fall foliage
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Requires moist, well-drained soils and moderate watering. Intolerant of severe drought and urban pollution.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60 to 75 feet with a spread of 45 to 50 feet. Moderate growth rate with a long lifespan often exceeding 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for high-quality maple syrup production and hard, dense timber valued for furniture and flooring. Outstanding brilliant autumn foliage.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports a wide variety of wildlife including squirrels and birds that feed on its seeds, buds, and twigs. Provides excellent nesting habitat and canopy cover in hardwood forests.