Skip to content
Native Plants Anywhere

Sugar maple

Acer saccharum

Sugar maple
Photo: (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

About Sugar maple

Sugar maple is one of our finest native trees and a joy to have in any yard. Birds and insects depend on it for food, and its brilliant fall colors—deep reds and oranges—are a real treat for your eyes. The tree also produces sap that's been treasured for generations, making it both beautiful and useful. Whether you're young or young at heart, watching this tree change through the seasons brings a sense of connection to nature right at home.

Growing sugar maple is straightforward once established. It prefers a spot with good drainage and steady moisture, so water it regularly during dry spells when young. Give it room to grow, since it can get quite large and stately over time. You'll find this native tree is tough and rewarding, asking little beyond basic care while giving back so much in beauty and wildlife support. It's a wonderful investment in your landscape.

Native to 48 states