Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum
Sapindaceae
Used for maple syrup production. Intolerant of root disturbances such as fill, construction, soil compaction. Prefers fertile soil. Prone to storm damage/limb breakage.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Very Good
Wildlife Benefits
Early source of nectar; moth/butterfly host; bat roosting site;
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 8
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
273
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Verticillium wilt
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
5
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Abundant
  • Oak Mixed: Abundant
  • Alluvial: Common
  • Red Maple Mixed: Abundant
  • Ruderal: Occasional
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern