Aceraceae: Acer saccharum
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Family Name
Aceraceae (Sapindaceae)
Common Name
Sugar Maple
Native American Name
Lakota: tȟahálo
Description
Acer saccharum is a large, deciduous tree, commonly reaching heights of 20–35 meters with a broad, rounded crown and a strong central trunk. Its root system is deep and extensive, supporting its longevity and drought resistance. The bark is grayish-brown, initially smooth, but developing vertical fissures and shaggy plates with age. Leaves are opposite, simple, and palmately lobed with 5 distinct, deep lobes; blades are 8–15 cm long and wide, dark green above and paler below, turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, or red in autumn. Flowers are small, yellow-green, and appear in pendulous clusters (corymbs) before leaf-out in early spring; each flower has five petals and is functionally unisexual, with trees often monoecious or dioecious. The fruit is a paired samara, each wing 2–3 cm long, maturing from green to brown in late summer. Sugar maple is native to the hardwood forests of eastern North America, from southern Canada through the northeastern U.S. and extending into the eastern edge of South Dakota. It is mainly found as an ornamental or planted in windbreaks throughout the state.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect samaras in late summer to early autumn, once they turn from green to tan and begin to fall. Gather from the tree or ground; seeds should be brown and well-filled.
Germination: Seeds exhibit deep dormancy and require cold moist stratification at 1–5°C for 90–120 days before sowing. Best sown outdoors in fall or stratified and planted in spring.
Vegetative Propagation: Difficult to propagate by cuttings; some success with softwood cuttings under mist with rooting hormones. Grafting onto seedling rootstocks is possible for select cultivars.
Soil Preferences: Prefers deep, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils with high organic matter. Sensitive to soil compaction, salt, and drought.
Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; more tolerant of shade than most other maples but best growth and color occur in full sun.
Water Requirements: Moderate moisture required; not highly drought-tolerant, especially when young. Mulching and irrigation are recommended in dry sites.
Additional Notes
Sugar maple is valued for its brilliant fall color, shade, and as a street or landscape tree. It is the primary source of maple syrup, with sap collected in early spring. The hard, dense wood is prized for flooring, furniture, and musical instruments. Wildlife, including squirrels and birds, consume the seeds, buds, and flowers. Although not toxic to humans its wilted leaves can be toxic to horses.