Sugar Maple

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acer saccharum

FAMILY: Aceraceae

This Tree in Colorado: The Sugar Maple is one of the best shade and lawn trees for larger areas. It has a pleasing growth habit and beautiful fall color.

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Landscape Use: This tree commonly grows up to around 75' high, but has been known to occasionally grow as tall as 120'. The spread usually equals about two-thirds of the tree's height. Likes ample space; does not thrive in crowded or polluted conditions.

Hardiness: Usually zones 4-8; some cultivars are heat tolerant up to zones 7-8

Leaves: 3-5 lobed leaves are medium to dark green in summer and can turn a variety of colors in fall, from brilliant yellow to burnt orange to red depending on the tree.

Flowers: Subtle flowers are greenish yellow

Bark: Smooth and grey-brown in youth; deeply furrowed with irregular thick plates or ridges with age.

Insects and Disease: While this tree is generally healthy, excessive drought conditions can make it susceptible to leaf scorch and Verticillium wilt.

Information Sources: Dirr, Michael Dr., "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants," 1998

Photo by Brittanica