Click on the images to help you identify Sugar maple.
Form
Height 80' or more with a diameter of up to 24" or more; symmetrically rounded crown.
Bark
On young trees light gray to brown and somewhat smooth; on older trees gray to almost black with irregular plates or scales. Twigs are smooth and reddish-brown with sharp-pointed winter buds.
Leaf
Simple, opposite on stem, length 3" to 5"; three- to five- pointed, smooth-edged lobes; division between lobes rounded; dark green on upper surface, lighter green below; in autumn turns to brilliant shades of dark red, scarlet, orange, or yellow.
Fruit (seed)
Consists of two slightly connected wings (samaras), each containing one seed; length about 1"; easily carried by the wind.
Range
Grows in cool, rich locations in the eastern half of the state; very shade-tolerant, slow growing.
Wood uses
Light brown, hard, heavy, strong, close-grained; know commercially as hard or rock maple; used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, shoes lasts, numerous small articles, maple syrup, maple sugar, and fuel; important for ornamental plantings.