Acer saccharum
Other common names
Hard Maple, Rock Maple
Origin of the species name
Acer is from Latin and means sharp and refers to the tips of the leaves; saccharum is from Latin for sugar and is the genus name for sugarcane.
Family
Sapindaceae
Date planted
July 2009
Lifespan
Sugar maples can live for up to 500 years.
General description
This is a medium to large deciduous tree with a dense elliptical crown. The bark of young trees is smooth, but is later broken into plates. The well known maple leaves are 8–15 cm long and equally wide with five palmate lobes. The autumn colour ranges from bright yellow through orange to fluorescent red-orange. The fruit are winged nuts typical on maples. Height 30m Spread 15m.
Natural distribution and habitat
The species is native to north-eastern North America extending from Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario in Canada and south to Georgia in the eastern USA. It grows best in rich moist soils in uplands and valleys and sometimes occurs in pure stands.
Conservation status
While it is not a threatened species, human activities have contributed to the decline of the sugar maple in many regions. It has often been replaced by more opportunistic species in areas where forests are used for timber. The sugar maple also exhibits a greater susceptibility to serious pollution than other species of maple.
Uses
The sugar maple is one of the most important Canadian trees, being the major source of sap for making maple syrup. It is also one of the most valuable hardwood trees in North America being used for a wide range of applications including furniture, flooring and ship building. It is widely used for musical instruments such as violins and guitars. A red sugar maple leaf is featured on the flag of Canada. Maple leaves are prominent on the Arms of Canada.
Planting pattern
Planted in long rows. It grows on both sides of Forest Drive.
Further reading
Palmer, C (2008) Trees and Forests of North America. Abrams.