Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Sapindaceae (Soapberry family, traditionally placed in Aceraceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Palmately lobed with 5 distinct lobes and deep, rounded sinuses
Margin
Entirely to sparsely toothed with smooth margins along the main lobes
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Palmate venation with five primary veins radiating from the base
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 5-lobed leaves with smooth sinuses, brown sharp-pointed winter buds, and U-shaped leaf scars
Description
A magnificent deciduous tree known for its dense canopy, deeply furrowed grey bark, and breathtaking fall foliage that lights up temperate forests
Habitat
Rich, well-drained upland forests, cool and moist soils, shade-tolerant
Native Range
Native to northeastern and north-central United States and southeastern Canada
Identified on 10/12/2026