Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (unspecified cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 8; highly cold-hardy but sensitive to extreme heat in the southernmost zones.
About This Tree
A large, stately deciduous tree with a dense, oval to rounded crown. Known for its symmetrical growth and spectacular fall colors, it is a primary source for maple syrup.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement; 3 to 6 inches long with 5 palmate lobes; medium green in summer turning brilliant yellow, orange, or red in fall; U-shaped sinuses between lobes.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown and smooth on young trees, becoming deeply furrowed with long, irregular, thick plates or scales that often curl outward at the edges as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to the eastern United States
Growing Season
Bud break in early spring; flowers appear in April-May before leaves; dormancy begins in late autumn after vibrant foliage changes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires well-drained, moist, fertile soil; moderate drought tolerance once established but sensitive to salt and soil compaction.
Mature Size
Reaches 60 to 75 feet in height with a spread of 40 to 50 feet; slow to moderate growth rate; can live over 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Prized for high-quality timber and maple syrup production; exceptional fall foliage color; highly sensitive to road salt and pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides seeds (samaras) for birds and small mammals; browse for deer; early-season nectar for bees and pollinators; nesting sites for numerous bird species.