Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Acer saccharum, or Sugar Maple, is a magnificent native tree that enhances Illinois landscapes with its striking beauty and ecological value. Celebrated for its brilliant fall foliage in shades of gold, orange, and red, this long-lived tree provides dense shade and supports local wildlife. Thriving in well-drained soils, Sugar Maple is a hardy and low-maintenance choice for homeowners and landowners seeking a timeless addition to their landscape. Plus, it’s the iconic source of maple syrup, adding a sweet touch to its many benefits!
Acer saccharum, or Sugar Maple, is a magnificent native tree that enhances Illinois landscapes with its striking beauty and ecological value. Celebrated for its brilliant fall foliage in shades of gold, orange, and red, this long-lived tree provides dense shade and supports local wildlife. Thriving in well-drained soils, Sugar Maple is a hardy and low-maintenance choice for homeowners and landowners seeking a timeless addition to their landscape. Plus, it’s the iconic source of maple syrup, adding a sweet touch to its many benefits!
Acer saccharum, or Sugar Maple, is a magnificent native tree that enhances Illinois landscapes with its striking beauty and ecological value. Celebrated for its brilliant fall foliage in shades of gold, orange, and red, this long-lived tree provides dense shade and supports local wildlife. Thriving in well-drained soils, Sugar Maple is a hardy and low-maintenance choice for homeowners and landowners seeking a timeless addition to their landscape. Plus, it’s the iconic source of maple syrup, adding a sweet touch to its many benefits!
Bloom: mid- to late spring
Habitats: edges of limestone glades; lower slopes or bottoms of rocky ravines and canyons; north-facing wooded slopes; rich mesic woodlands; sandy woodlands; wooded areas in protected coves and river valleys; wooded bluffs and hills
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: well-drained mesic conditions
Plant type (height): tree (60 to 100 feet)
Requirements: full sun to light shade
Soil: fertile loamy soil (although soil containing rocky material, sand-loam, silt-loam, and clay-loam is tolerated)