Contents
Description
Acer Saccharum, commonly known as the sugar maple tree, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is best known for its sweet sap which is used to make maple syrup. The tree can grow up to 40-80 feet tall with a spread of 30-60 feet wide. It has a dense oval crown and a straight trunk which can reach up to 3 feet in diameter. The leaves are 3-6 inches long with 5 lobes and turn a beautiful shade of yellow, orange, or red during the fall season.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The sugar maple tree has a dense oval crown and a straight trunk which can reach up to 3 feet in diameter. The bark is gray-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are 3-6 inches long with 5 lobes and turn a beautiful shade of yellow, orange, or red during the fall season. The flowers are green and yellow and appear in the spring. The fruit is a double samara with a winged seed and appears in the fall.
Care Guide
Water: The sugar maple tree prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization: The tree does not require fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Soil: The sugar maple tree prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5. It is important to avoid compacted soil as this can lead to poor root growth and other problems.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: The sugar maple tree is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The sugar maple tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases including:
- Aphids
- Borers
- Canker
- Fungal Leaf Spot
- Verticillium Wilt
Habitat
The sugar maple tree is native to North America and is commonly found in the eastern United States and Canada. It prefers well-drained soil and can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the sugar maple tree a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the sugar maple tree is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Can the sugar maple tree be grown in a container?
A: No, the sugar maple tree is not suitable for container growing.
Q: Does the sugar maple tree have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, the sugar maple tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including coughs, diarrhea, and sore throats.
Q: How long does it take for a sugar maple tree to produce sap for maple syrup?
A: It can take up to 40 years for a sugar maple tree to produce sap for maple syrup.
Related Plants
- Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
- Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple)
- Acer negundo (Boxelder)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Acer saccharum
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Acer saccharum
- USDA Forest Service: Acer saccharum
