Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally grouped in Aceraceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct primary lobes
Margin
Serrate with coarsely toothed margins and deep, U-shaped sinuses between the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on twigs, featuring a slender petiole
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base, featuring prominent, raised veins and midribs on the lower surface
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 5-lobed leaves with deep U-shaped sinuses and smooth margins between the teeth, paired samara seeds, and brown, sharp terminal buds
Description
A classic deciduous canopy tree known for its dense crown, greyish bark that becomes deeply furrowed with age, and brilliant fall foliage that turns shades of yellow, orange, and bright red
Habitat
Found primarily in rich, moist, well-drained upland soils of deciduous and mixed forests, often thriving in cool, shaded microclimates
Native Range
Native to northeastern and north-central North America, spanning from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Texas