Sugar maple is one of the most iconic native trees in Ontario, celebrated for its brilliant fall colors and cultural significance. Known for its sturdy form, dense shade, and maple syrup production, it is a beloved feature of forests, parks, and backyards across the province.
Quick Facts
Height: Up to 45 feet in urban settings
Spread: 25 feet in urban settings
Form: rounded crown with spreading branches
Leaves: simple, dark green above and paler green below, rounded, five lobes with smooth edges; emerge in spring. Turns yellow, orange or red in fall.
Bark: smooth, light grey-brown when young; deeply furrowed with irregular ridges, dark grey when mature
Flower: small, yellow-green clusters hanging from long, slender stems; emerge in early spring before or with the leaves
Fruit: small, green to brown, clusters of two-winged, horseshoe-shaped samaras (called keys); mature in fall
Distinguishing Feature
Sugar maple is best known for its vibrant fall foliage, ranging from golden yellow to fiery orange and red. Sugar maples have pointy, sharp buds (buds from other maple species are rounded).
Historical Fact
The sugar maple, along with other native maples, is an important Canadian cultural symbol. In 1996 the maple tree (Acer spp.) was officially designated as the national tree of Canada.
Why We Love It
The sugar maple is renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage, with leaves that transform into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. It is a cornerstone of Canadian culture, providing the sap that becomes maple syrup. It's also an excellent choice for shade, biodiversity support and contributing to a healthy urban forest.
Did You Know?
- The design of the iconic leaf on Canada’s national flag was inspired by the sugar maple.
- Sugar maple sap is the primary source of maple syrup production in North America. A single mature sugar maple can produce up to 60 liters of sap in a good season!
- Sugar maple wood is prized for its strength and is often used in furniture and flooring.
Plant Your Own!
Planting a sugar maple in your yard is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your property and provide habitat for native wildlife. Plant for less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program today!
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. They envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
