sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Sugar maple in Fort Collins.

Species info:

Leaves: Opposite, simple, 3–5 lobed; medium to dark green in summer, turning brilliant yellow, orange, or red in fall

Leaflets: N/A (simple leaves)

Leaf Surface: Smooth and glossy on top, lighter green beneath

Bark: Smooth and gray-brown when young; becomes rough, deeply furrowed, and broken into irregular thick plates with age

Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, and inconspicuous; appear in early spring before or with the leaves

Fruit: Paired winged samaras

Botanical: Acer saccharum

Family: Sapindaceae

Mature Height: Typically 60–75 feet; occasionally up to 120 feet in ideal conditions

Canopy Spread: About two-thirds of the height (40–50 feet average)

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Broadly oval to rounded crown with dense foliage; strong central trunk

Flowers: Inconspicuous

Fruit: None

Fall Color: Brilliant and variable—can range from yellow to burnt orange to deep red

Water Use: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soils; sensitive to drought and pollution

Hardiness: Zones 4–8 (some cultivars tolerate heat up to Zone 8)

Soil Preference: Moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; does not tolerate compacted or salty soils

Wildlife Value: Provides nectar for pollinators; seeds eaten by birds and small mammals

Pests/Pathogens: Generally healthy; may suffer from leaf scorch and Verticillium wilt under drought stress or poor soil conditions

Notable Traits: Iconic shade and lawn tree known for spectacular fall color; long-lived and strong-wooded; best suited for spacious, low-pollution environments

Planting recommendation: Recommended for most sites, but in protected sites

Information Sources:

• Dirr, Michael Dr., "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants," 1998