The Sugar Maple ( Acer saccharum ) is famous as the tree where maple syrup comes from. Sugar Maple sap is harvested by drilling a hole through the phloem and placing a tap into the tree, the sap is then boiled down and the result is the sugary syrup we all love on our pancakes. Yes, there is literally a tree that can have Maple Syrup on tap at home!
The Sugar Maple is the emblem of the Canadian flag, where it is native, as well as in northern regions of the United States. Some other common names include Rock Maple and Hard Maple.
Acer saccharum trees make a beautiful ornamental or shade tree and like many Maples are popular for their leaf shape and brilliant colour displays during autumn.
Growth
Sugar Maples can grow up to 35 metres tall and their leaves are palmate with 5 lobes, which can grow as large as 20 cm’s. The leaves change colour from green to yellow, then orange to red and finally an almost burgundy colour before falling in Autumn. This species like many others, flowers in Spring.
Although this species is native to colder regions it can be grown in warmer climates if it is given a shady location and watered appropriately. Sadly, unless you are live in an area where winters are cold enough; producing maple syrup is most likely out of the question.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Sapindaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate – can also be grown in warmer regions with extra care.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-40 to 38°C / -40 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Suitable for most types of soil but grows best in fertile soil with an acidic pH.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 35 metres (115 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20 metres (65 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low to High dependent on region
POLLINATION:
Wind & Bee Pollinated. Monoecious – both male and female flowers are found on the same plant. Self-Fertile.
MATURITY:
22 years
GERMINATION RATES:
82-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
Germination is unusual, seeds will not sprout at temperatures above 10°C, germination takes place during cold stratification – usually at around 60-90 days.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
12
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, sap & leaves.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) for 1-2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ACER SACCHARUM (Sugar Maple)
It takes 40 litres of sap to make 1 litre of maple syrup, which is why the cost is so high for pure maple syrup.
Bowling alleys and bowling pins are often made from the timber of the Sugar Maple. Maple wood is also used for basketball courts, baseball bats and to make parts of violins, guitars, drum shells, archery bows and pool cues!
