Sugar Maple (also known as Hard Maple, Rock Maple)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Sapindaceae, Genus: Acer, Species: Acer saccharum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, commonly referred to as the Maple family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Acer saccharum
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, commonly referred to as the Maple family)
Shape
Palmate with 5 lobes and shallow, rounded sinuses
Size
Approximately 4 to 6 inches across, which is typical for mature leaves of this species
Margin
Entire to sparsely and coarsely toothed margins with pointed tips on the lobes
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the twigs
Rarity
Common throughout its native range and widely planted as a shade and ornamental tree
Color & Pattern
Deep medium to dark green on the upper surface with lighter green undersides; showing seasonal wear with minor brown spots and darkened veins
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation radiating from the base of the leaf with prominent primary and secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) upper surface with a matte finish and slightly paler, sometimes pubescent lower veins
Description
The Sugar Maple is a majestic deciduous tree renowned for its brilliant autumn foliage of yellow, burnt orange, and bright red. It features dark grey bark that becomes furrowed with age, small greenish-yellow flowers in spring, and paired winged samaras in autumn.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 5-lobed leaves with U-shaped (rounded) sinuses between lobes, and clear sap rather than milky sap when the petiole is broken
Habitat
Rich, moist, well-draining deciduous forests, preferring slightly acidic to neutral soils and partial to full sun
Geographic Range
Native to hardwood forests of northeastern and midwestern North America, extending into parts of southeastern Canada
Condition Notes
Fair condition with visible fungal leaf spots (tar spot or similar anthracnose) and minor insect feeding holes, but overall structurally sound for a mature summer canopy leaf
Interesting Facts
The Sugar Maple is the primary source of authentic maple syrup. It is also the national symbol of Canada and appears on the Canadian flag
Medicinal & Uses
Sap is boiled down into maple syrup and sugar. The dense, hard wood is highly prized for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and musical instruments
Ecological Role
Provides vital food and habitat for numerous birds, mammals, and insects. Its deep root system helps stabilize soil and cycle essential nutrients
Similar Species
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Red Maple (Acer rubrum); Norway Maple leaves exude a milky white sap from the broken petiole and have sharper, more numerous teeth, while Red Maple has V-shaped sinuses and serrated margins
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite branching and 5-lobed leaves in mature deciduous forests during spring and summer; tap trees in late winter for sweet sap collection
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The sap and leaves are safe for humans, though fallen leaves can occasionally harbor fungi or mold if ingested by grazing animals