Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally placed 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 to remotely toothed with U-shaped sinuses between lobes
Arrangement
Opposite on the twig
Venation
Palmate venation with prominent veins radiating from the base
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 5-lobed leaves with shallow, U-shaped sinuses, smooth margins on the lobes, and sharp points at the tips
Description
The Sugar Maple is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its brilliant autumn foliage of vibrant orange, red, and yellow. It features a dense, rounded crown, dark grey furrowed bark, and produces winged samaras in pairs.
Habitat
Rich, well-drained upland soils in deciduous and mixed forests
Native Range
Native to eastern and northeastern North America, extending from Nova Scotia westward to Ontario and Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Texas