Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, commonly referred to as the Maple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes and deep, rounded sinuses
Margin
Serrate with large, coarsely toothed margins on the lobes and smooth sinuses
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the twig
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base, featuring prominent midribs and a reticulate network of minor veins.
Key Features
Opposite simple leaves with 5 palmate lobes, coarsely toothed margins, and notably U-shaped (rounded) sinuses between the lobes, distinguishing it from other maples.
Description
The Sugar Maple is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its brilliant autumn foliage displaying vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. It features dark grey bark that becomes furrowed with age, small greenish-yellow flowers in spring, and paired winged seeds known as samaras. The leaves are classic maple shapes, deeply lobed and highly attractive.
Habitat
Found primarily in rich, moist, well-drained upland soils of deciduous and mixed forests. Prefers partial to full sun and cooler temperate climates.
Native Range
Native to northeastern and north-central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Texas.