The Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is an iconic deciduous tree native to North America, known for its striking beauty and economic importance. They are often planted as ornamental trees in parks and gardens for their shade and stunning fall foliage.
Size: Sugar maples are large trees that can reach heights of 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters) tall, with a spread of 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21 meters).
Shape: In maturity, the tree typically forms a broad, rounded crown that provides ample shade.
Bark: The bark is grayish-brown and develops deep furrows and ridges as the tree ages.
Leaves: The leaves are the most distinctive feature, typically 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) wide with five lobes. They turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, making the sugar maple one of the most spectacular trees for autumn foliage.
Flowers: Small yellow-green flowers appear in clusters in early spring before the leaves emerge. These flowers are not showy but are important for pollination.
Fruits: The fruit is a paired winged seed called a samara, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. It matures in late summer to early fall and is dispersed by wind.
Maple Syrup: Sugar maples are the primary source of maple syrup production. The sap of the sugar maple is collected in late winter and early spring and boiled down to make maple syrup and other maple products.
Wood: The wood of sugar maple is highly valued for its hardness and attractive grain, making it popular for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking projects.
