Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Source of Maple Syrup and Legendary Fall Color

Sugar Maple is the aristocrat of eastern North American forests—the source of maple syrup, provider of legendary fall color, and a timber tree of exceptional value. Acer saccharum (family Sapindaceae) dominates the northern hardwood forests from Nova Scotia to Georgia, west to Minnesota and Missouri.

Iconic Features

The leaves are the classic maple shape: 3-5 inches wide, 5 lobes (usually), deep green above, paler beneath, turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall—often all on the same tree. The bark is gray-brown, developing long, vertical furrows with age. In early spring, before leaves, the tree produces drooping clusters of yellow-green flowers. The samaras are horseshoe-shaped (U-shaped), maturing in fall. The tree grows 60-75 feet tall (to 100+ in prime sites) with a dense, rounded crown.

Taxonomic Classification

Maple Syrup, Wood, and Landscape Value

Sugar Maple is the primary source of maple syrup—its sap has the highest sugar content (2-3%) of any maple. It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. The wood is hard, dense, close-grained, pale—prized for flooring, furniture, bowling alleys, butcher blocks, and musical instruments (especially violin backs).

In landscapes, it's a premier shade tree for large properties, parks, and streets (where salt-tolerant). It requires moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun to part shade. It's sensitive to compaction, salt, and drought. Cultivars include 'Green Mountain' (heat-tolerant), 'Legacy' (drought-tolerant), 'Fall Fiesta' (early color), and 'Apollo' (narrow columnar). A national treasure for syrup, wood, and autumn splendor.