Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
Botanical Information
| Family | Sapindaceae (Aceraceae) |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | saccharum |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (deciduous) |
| Origin | Canada and United States of America. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Used for its timber and as a source of maple syrup. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 1a - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -37 - (-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | -35 - 20 |
| Height | 12 - 24 m |
| Spread | 9 - 18 m |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | April |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | The maple leaf that we have all come to know and is featured on our Canadian flag. A stately tree with typical maple leaves, and outstanding autumn colour. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern. |
| Shape | Rounded pyramidal crown. |
| Landscape | Mass plantings, city and courtyard gardens, parks, cottages, along rural roads or as a specimen. |
| Propagation | Seed. |
| Cultivation | Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist but well-draining soil of any type or acidity. |
| Notable Specimens | Along the rural roads of Southern Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Woodlands and low mountains typically associated with climax forest areas. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Dark grey deeply-furrowed bark with long narrow plates above the ridges. |
| Leaf Description | Palmate leaves that grow about 15 cm across, generally with three distinct lobes. Light to dark green above with a light green underside. |
| Flower Description | Small green and insignificant. |
| Fruit Description | Samaras pale beige in colour. |
| Colour Description | Excellent autumn colour in yellows, oranges and reds. |
| Texture Description | Medium. |
Photographs
Acer saccharum 'Temple's Upright'
Acer saccharum 'Temple's Upright' bud.