Sugar maple - Acer saccharum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Sugar maple

Also known as: Rock maple

Acer saccharum, commonly known as sugar maple is a deciduous flowering tree native to North America. Sugar maple's xylem sap is used for making maple syrup - a popular food condiment and sweetening agent in North America. The most notable quality of this plant is its bright leaves, which turn deep red during fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

12 m to 35 m

Plant Height

9 m to 18 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Orange, Red

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Green, Red, Yellow, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Sugar maple

Attributes of Sugar maple

Growth Rate

During Spring and Summer, Acer saccharum, or Sugar maple, exhibits a slow growth rate, dedicating energy to developing its robust root system and branching framework. This unhurried pace ensures a balance between leaf production, sap flow, and overall plant resilience. Emphasizing quality over speed, these seasons manifest in a tree known for high-quality timber and sap yield.

Distribution of Sugar maple

Distribution Map

Sugar maple is native to the eastern parts of North America, including northern Mexico, and has additionally been introduced into Korea. It requires cold winters and hard freezes and grows in hardwood forests.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hilly woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

It is a first-class raw material for furniture, hardwood floors, bookcases and musical instruments. The syrup from boiled sugar maple is edible and can be processed into food.

Garden Use

The sugar maple is an excellent street tree and landscape tree, which can be planted in gardens and courtyards. This common maple tree is planted for its shade created by its dense canopy, and it is prized for its sap contained within it as well as for the visual appeal it offers. It is a good fit for wildflower gardens and to line paths in landscaping, and is often planted with plants that grow well beneath it, like the Nettleleaf Sage and the Shrubby St. Johnswort.

Symbolism

Persistence, enthusiasm, success, abundance

Interesting Facts

The sugar maple is a symbol of spirit in the hearts of the Canadian people. Those who can catch its leaves will get good luck and blessings. Those who see the falling of its leaves with their beloved ones will get good blessings.

Name Story

Sugar maple: Like a maple tree, its leaves are shaped like a palm. During autumn, the color of the leaves looks spectacular ranging from bright yellow to reddish-orange, then it turns brown in the end. Many believe that it represents the Canadian flag. Also, the official maple leave does not belong to any specific maple tree species. Besides that, it is most famous for its maple syrup which is why it is called sugar maple.

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Quickly Identify Sugar maple

Distinctive palmate leaves with five pointed lobes, transitioning to vibrant autumn colors.

Drooping greenish-yellow panicles with separate male and female flowers in spring.

U-shaped paired samaras with thin wings, transitioning from green to brown.

Slender stems with lenticels, cone-shaped buds, and varying colors.

Rugged, deeply furrowed bark with flaky scales, protecting a wide trunk.

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Care Guide for Sugar maple

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Sugar maple thrives in moderately moist environments, preferring consistent soil hydration. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks, with increased frequency during the growing season to support its growth. Sensitive to seasonal changes, sugar maple is mostly grown outdoors due to its size.

Fertilize: Fertilizing sugar maple enhances growth with balanced nutrition. Apply annually in spring, using 1/4 pound of nitrogen per inch of trunk diameter at the drip line. Avoid over-fertilization by using slow-release formulas and adjusting based on soil tests for optimal results.

Pruning: Sugar maple thrives with early spring pruning by removing dead or diseased branches, boosting air circulation and health. Thinning the crown enhances sunlight and growth, while avoiding heavy cuts prevents stress. This practice minimizes sap loss and promotes vibrant foliage and robust structure.

Propagation: Sugar maple is celebrated for its colorful fall foliage and sweet sap. Effective propagation involves collecting semi-hardwood cuttings with multiple leaf nodes, applying rooting hormone, and using a well-aerated, moist medium. Monitoring humidity and temperature is crucial for successful rooting and growth.

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Images of Sugar maple

Attributes of Sugar maple

Distribution of Sugar maple

Culture

Quickly Identify Sugar maple

Care Guide for Sugar maple

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