Sugar maple is a dominant tree of northern hardwoods, with five-lobed leaves that turn brilliant orange and red in fall. It is the primary source of maple syrup and has hard, valuable wood.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, sugar maple grows in cool, moist woods on slopes and in ravines, mainly in the piedmont and mountains. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils and is often associated with beech and basswood.
Uses and significance
The sap is tapped for maple syrup and sugar. The wood is used for flooring, furniture, and instruments. Sugar maple is a keystone species in eastern forests and supports diverse wildlife; fall color makes it a beloved ornamental.