A large tree with rounded, dense crown and striking, multicolored foliage in autumn. Bark is smooth in youth, becoming quite shaggy with age. Its straight, central trunk; wide-spreading branches; and rounded crown are all attractive landscape characteristics. One of the best of the larger shade trees, more states have claimed sugar maple as their state tree than any other single species.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows to 60-75’ tall with a dense canopy that effectively shades out grass as it matures.
 
Best growth with at least 2 hours of sun.
 
Site in average to dry, well-drained soil. 
 
Yellow-green flowers in spring are an early source of pollen.
 
Dispays vibrant shades of yellow, burnt orange, and red foliage in fall.
 
Wildlife Value:
Rabbits and deer eat the tender shoots and leaves of red maples. Red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels feed on its seeds, buds, twigs, and leaves. Sugar Maple is also important for several insect species, including 273 species of Lepidoptera larvae in central Ohio, including the maple dagger, maple looper and orange-humped maple worm moths.  Maples provide cover for many species of wildlife. The screech owl, pileated woodpecker, and common flicker nest in cavities, which are also well-suited for wood ducks in river floodplain communities.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Native Americans used the bark as a wash for inflamed eyes and cataracts and as a remedy for hives and muscular aches. Tea brewed from the inner bark was used for treating coughs and diarrhea.
 
The sap can be made into syrup.
 
Caution: Leaves and bark are toxic to horses.