Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree and Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type, though cultivars like 'Green Mountain' exist
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, adapting well to cool-temperate climates with cold winters and moderate summers.
About This Tree
A large, upright, and stately deciduous tree with a dense, oval to rounded crown. It has a moderate to slow growth rate, strong branching structure, and produces premier autumn foliage in brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are simple, opposite, 3 to 6 inches across, typically with 5 palmate lobes that have smooth edges and deep, rounded sinuses. Bright green in summer, turning spectacular vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Bark is dark gray to brownish-gray, smooth on young trees, becoming deeply furrowed with vertical ridges and plates that often curve outward slightly as the tree ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northeastern and north-central North America, extending south to the uplands of the Gulf Coast states.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring, develops winged samaras in summer, exhibits brilliant autumn coloration, and enters winter dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-draining, fertile soils and requires regular watering when young, showing moderate drought tolerance once fully established.
Mature Size
Expected 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 its exceptional brilliance of fall foliage and as the primary commercial source for high-quality maple syrup. Possesses valuable hardwood timber.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial food and habitat for various songbirds, small mammals, and white-tailed deer which browse the twigs and foliage. The sap and flowers attract early-season pollinators.