Who doesn't have a maple or two in their yard? Regarded as one of the most popular landscaping tree, maples are excellent at supporting caterpillar populations, supporting over 280 different species. Renowned for their sap that can be boiled to make maple syrup.
Pollinator Type
Bees
Plant Type
Deciduous tree
Zone
4 to 7
Height
60-80 ft
Spread
40-60 ft
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Green
Bloom Time
April
Design Considerations
An excellent choice for a shade tree, as it is relatively fast growing and will provide large amounts of shade. Does not tolerate soil compaction or road salt well, so be intentional about planting location.
Care and Maintenance
As with other maples, Sugar Maple is a softwood tree so will lose branches and small limbs during windy weather. Produces samaras (known as helicopter seeds) in the fall which readily sprout wherever they fall.
Pest and Diseases
Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, leaf spot.
Establishment and Propagation
Transplant from nursery container in fall or spring.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Red Maple
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Sugar Maple leaves can turn yellow or orange in the fall. They produce large amounts of leaves so their fall color displays are magnificent.
Growth habit
Sugar Maple typically forms a rounded crown when mature.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
