Tree Species Data Collection Checklist

General Information:

Scientific Name: Acer saccharum

Common Name(s): Sugar Maple, Hard Maple, Rock Maple, Acer saccharum Marsh.

Family: Sapindaceae

Native Range (Description + Map): Eastern and central North America; from southeastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) south to northern Georgia and west to Minnesota. [Map available in dendrology references]

Introduced Range (if applicable): Occasionally planted in Europe and Asia for ornamental or timber purposes

Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones: 3–6


Size & Growth:

Typical Height: 18–30 m (60–100 ft)

Maximum Recorded Height: ~35 m (115 ft)

Trunk Diameter (Average & Max): 0.6–1.5 m typical; up to 2 m in exceptional cases

Growth Rate (Slow, Medium, Fast): Slow to medium

Typical Lifespan: 200–300 years

Record Age: ~400 years


Quick Recognition Features:

Notable Leaf, Bark, Cone, or Twig Features:

Leaves are simple, opposite, with five lobes and smooth sinuses

Turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow in fall

Bark gray-brown, becoming furrowed with age

Twigs slender, with sharp, pointed buds

Produces paired winged samaras (“helicopter seeds”)



Reproduction & Life Cycle:

Seed Maturity (Age at first seed production): 40–50 years, prolific after ~60 years

Reproductive Cycle (How often does it reproduce?): Every 2–5 years, with variable seed crops

Pollination Method: Wind

Seed Dispersal Mechanism: Wind (paired samaras)

Seed Dormancy Requirements: Cold stratification required (typically 90–120 days)


Environmental Preferences:

Soil Preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soils

Water Needs: Moderate to high

Drought Tolerance: Low to moderate

Flood Tolerance: Low

Shade Tolerance: Highly shade-tolerant when young; thrives under canopy

Root System Type: Shallow, fibrous roots with extensive lateral spread

Climate Adaptability: Prefers temperate climates; sensitive to extreme heat or drought


Physical & Chemical Properties:

Wood Density: ~0.63 g/cm³ (39 lb/ft³)

Strength Rating: High (hard, heavy wood)

Decay Resistance: Low; susceptible to heart rot

Fire Resistance: Low (not fire-tolerant)

Fire Regeneration Ability: Limited; regenerates mainly by seed and stump sprouting


Ecological Role & Interactions:

Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, birds; bark and sap sometimes used by deer

Companion Species: American Beech, Eastern Hemlock, White Ash, Red Maple

Invasive Status: Not invasive

Threats: Sugar maple decline (drought, acid rain, soil compaction), Asian longhorned beetle, pests like maple leafcutter


Human & Cultural Uses:

Traditional Uses: Maple syrup and sugar production; Indigenous peoples used sap and wood for tools

Modern Uses: Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (e.g., violins, drums), syrup production

Symbolism/Mythology: National symbol of Canada; emblem of strength and endurance


Additional Notes & Fun Facts:

Unique Features: Brilliant fall foliage; high sugar content in sap for syrup production

Interesting Historical Facts: Sugar maple forests fueled early Canadian and northeastern U.S. maple syrup industries

Rare/Endangered Varieties: Some old-growth stands are protected; no major subspecies endangered.