Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (unspecified cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8; prefers cool, moist climates.
About This Tree
A large canopy tree with a rounded to oval dense crown. Known for its slow to moderate growth and long lifespan. Features classic five-lobed leaves and winged samara fruits.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite arrangement, simple leaves with 5 palmate lobes and deep U-shaped sinuses. Bright green in summer, turning brilliant yellow, orange, or red in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown; smooth on young trees, becoming deeply furrowed with long, vertical, thick plates or scales as it matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern North America (Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada)
Growing Season
Buds swell in early spring; flowers appear in April-May before leaves; fruits ripen in fall; enters dormancy after vibrant autumn leaf drop.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun to Partial Shade; requires moist, well-drained soil; sensitive to drought, salt, and restricted rooting areas.
Mature Size
Mature height of 60-75 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet; can live over 300 years.
Special Characteristics
Primary source of maple syrup; exceptional fall color; high timber value for flooring and furniture; sensitive to air pollution and soil compaction.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for birds and small mammals; browse for deer; early spring nectar for pollinators; nesting sites for diverse bird species.