Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is one of our most-beloved hardwoods. Its “sweetwater” sap has been used by Native People for hundreds of years and is made into maple syrup every spring in Michigan. Sugar maple is also called hard maple for its strong wood, and its long life allows us to relax in its shade. Wildlife of all types love sugar maple too!

Photos: tree by Bruce Marlin, fall color by Famartin, leaf by Cruiser, sap collection by Dave Pape

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

Per-bundle pricing displayed below. multiple-bundle pricing reflected in shopping cart.

Bundle of 5: $40

Bundle of 20: $64

Bundle of 25: $119

Bundle of 50: $199

Bundle of 100: $318

STATS ON SUGAR MAPLE

• Mature Height:  40–80 feet

• Mature Width:  30–60 feet

• Soil Type:  Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy

• Moisture:  Dry, Moderate

• Sun:  Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

• Growth Rate:  Medium

Key Characteristics of Sugar Maple

• Sugar maple prefers well-drained soils and is very shade-tolerant.

• Like maple syrup? Sugar maple is the tree where it all starts—in the sweetwater sap.

• Fall color is incredible, ranging from deep red and magenta to pink, orange, and bright gold.

• The fruits (samaras) provide food for squirrels and many other rodents. Rabbits and deer eat the tender shoots and leaves of red maples.

VISITORS ATTRACTED TO RED MAPLE

HELP CONTROL INVASIVES!

Sugar maple is a great alternative to invasive Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and its hybrids (Crimson King, etc.). Norway maples produce a large quantity of seeds that can germinate rapidly and crowd out native species. The species can be locally dominant in forest stands, create dense shade, and displace native trees, shrubs, and herbs. Its dense canopy also can shade out native wildflowers.