#5
Accession Number: 0005-0000
Common Name: Sugar Maple
Latin Name: Acer saccharum
Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
Native Range: Eastern North America
Height: 30–80 feet
Spread: 40–60 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Greenish, insignificant
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Light Preference: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Medium
Notes: Good as a shade tree; can tolerate heavy shade; good fall color
Description: Sugar Maple is widespread across eastern North America, an important component ofhardwood forests and in the lumber industry. It has spectacular fall color, turning shades of yellow-orange. The Sugar Maple has very sweet sap and is the source of the best maple syrup, so it is no surprise that the species name, Acer saccarum, comes in part from the Latin word “saccharo,” meaning sugar. These trees do not do well in areas that are compacted or have poor drainage; they are also not tolerant of road salt or urban pollution. So while they can make beautiful specimen trees in the landscape, they will only thrive as street trees where these conditions are not a concern. Leaf scorch may be a problem in drought conditions. They are also not particularly drought-tolerant and may experience leaf scorch in very dry conditions.
