Sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Arbust. Amer.: 4 (1785))

Family: Sapindaceae

Author: Marshall

Bibliography: Arbust. Amer.: 4 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acer

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A. and NE. Mexico

Description

The Sugar maple, known scientifically as Acer saccharum, is a majestic deciduous tree renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage and vital role in maple syrup production. First documented in 1785, its botanical description was officially detailed by Marshall. This tree is a member of the family Sapindaceae, which encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants.

Native to the southeastern regions of Canada and extending through the central and eastern United States, the Sugar maple’s range also touches parts of northeastern Mexico. This widespread distribution highlights its adaptability to various climates and terrains within North America.

Sugar maples are celebrated for their sturdy form and dense, shady canopy, typically reaching heights of 25 to 35 meters. The leaves, characterized by their palmate lobes and smooth edges, turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, painting landscapes with vibrant colors before shedding for the winter.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Sugar maple holds significant economic importance. Its sap is the primary source for producing maple syrup, a quintessential North American sweetener. Each spring, as temperatures fluctuate, the tree’s sap flows abundantly, which is then harvested, boiled down, and concentrated into syrup.

Ecologically, the Sugar maple plays a crucial role in its habitat. The dense canopy provides shelter and food for various bird species and other wildlife, while its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion. Additionally, Sugar maples contribute to the climate regulation and carbon sequestration, essential for maintaining ecological balance.

In summary, the Sugar maple stands as a remarkable and vital species within its native range, offering both ecological benefits and substantial cultural and economic value. Its storied presence from historical documentation to its bright presence in modern landscapes underscores its enduring significance.

Common Names

Deu: zucker-ahorn
Eng: sugar maple, hard maple, rock maple
Nld: suikeresdoorn
Nob: sukkerlønn
Nno: sukkerlønn
Fra: érable à sucre, érable franc, érable franche
En: Sugar maple, Hard maple, Rock maple
Nl: Suikeresdoorn
Fr: Érable à sucre, Érable franc, Érable franche
De: Zucker-Ahorn
Nb: Sukkerlønn
Nn: Sukkerlønn

Synonyms

• Saccharodendron saccharum ((Marshall) Moldenke)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Korea (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Louis-Simon Rousseau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Louis-Simon Rousseau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2022 by uwe heil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2021 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Jamie Veganarchist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by crásula Gimenae (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Krzysztof Jakób (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2019 by William McNeil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 17, 2019 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Agustín Rivas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Gloria Signor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Hervé B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by laura brody (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2020 by lsusr lsusr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Ingvild Tronvik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189859)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:56795-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer saccharum Marshall)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.9

Ph minimum: 3.7