Acer saccharum 'Newton Sentry' (Newton Sentry Sugar Maple)


Michael's Opinion

An attractive, narrow formed tree with wonderful autumn colour.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceracee)
GenusAcer
Speciessaccharum
Cultivar'Newton Sentry'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginAcer ‘Newton Sentry’ is the most up right of all the maples, and has many short, stubby twigs on the branches, which makes the tree look bushy and dense. Found at the entrance to the Newton Cemetery in Newton, Massachusetts this tree was discovered and introduced in 1885.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4b - 8b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-34)
Temperature (°F)(-30)
Height15 - 20 m
Spread3 - 5 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThere has been a lot of confusion with this tree when another upright maple was introduced called Monumentale. This cultivar of sugar maple grows very slowly and will grow 30 cm in most soils each year. The tree is sensitive to heat and drought, which will turn the leaves brown along the edges(leaf scorch). ‘Newton Sentry’ is a narrow tree with upright branches that grows to 20 m in height and 3-5 m in width. The tree has many leaders, and has to be maintained to keep its shape. It has green pale flowers in the spring and dark green leaves in the summer, which turn a reddish orange colour in the autumn.
ID CharacteristicThe tree has an opposite leaf arrangement, with the leaf being a simple leaf with palmate venation. The branches grow upright and don’t droop at all, but will need pruning to help structure of the tree. The tree has long upright branches and has many leaders, which can promote a slightly dishevelled appearance.
LandscapeUsed for wind breaks, as a specimen or accent plant, allees and fence lines. Intolerant of road salt.
CultivationGrown in average to medium moisture, full sun to part shade and well-drained slightly acidic soil. In periods of drought watering is advisable. it is intolerant of compacted soils, road salt and urban pollution.
PestsAphids can infest maples, and when the infestation is bad enough it can cause leaves to drop. Honey dew is another sign of a heavy infestation. The tree is very sensitive to heat and drought, which will turn the leaves brown.along the edges.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is brown and not showy, and branches grow upright.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe leaf and flower bud are dark brown, medium sized, shiny and found in groups of two.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaf arrangement is opposite with a simple leaf, palm- shaped, with palmate venation. It is dark green in the summer and reddish orange in the autumn.
Flower DescriptionThe Flowers blooms in the spring, are small, are a pale green colour with little ornamental value.
Fruit DescriptionA two winged samara that is beige on maturity.
Colour Description

Photographs