Species

Acer saccharumSugar Maple

7 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum 'Legacy'

$195.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharum, commonly known as sugar maple, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, reaching up to fifty feet in height with a dense, rounded crown. It produces small, drooping yellowish-green flower clusters in spring before or alongside emerging five-lobed leaves.

'Legacy' features thick, glossy, dark green leaves with a heavy wax cuticle that resists wind tatter and summer heat scorch far better than the species. Its dense, strongly symmetrical upright-oval head makes it an exceptionally reliable shade tree in warmer or drier sites.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a symmetrical, dense canopy with glossy dark green leaves that color late in fall.

Casts deep shade and resists foliage scorch better than wild species maples.

Offers nesting habitat and canopy cover for native songbirds and small mammals.

SpeciesAcer saccharumSugar Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

531"

Width

378"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$195.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun to partial shade with deep, rich, well-draining soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, ensuring the root flare remains exposed at the surface.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to eliminate air pockets, and water deeply to settle the root zone.
Apply a two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch around the canopy spread, keeping mulch clear of direct contact with the trunk bark.
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons until the taproot and lateral root system establish.

Pro Tip

Prune only in late winter while fully dormant; cutting into stems during early spring sap flow causes heavy bleeding that weakens young branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during extended summer dry spells to support young root systems.
Maintain a generous layer of wood chip mulch over the root zone to conserve soil moisture.
Prune strictly in late winter before sap flow begins.

Don't

Do not plant in compacted, waterlogged, or poorly drained low spots.
Do not apply road salt or plant near paved surfaces exposed to heavy winter deicing salts.
Do not prune branches during spring flush when sap is flowing heavily.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen shade treeStreet tree in wide parkwaysLarge residential lawn plantingPark canopy tree

Companion Plants

Carex pensylvanica Polystichum acrostichoides Heuchera americana Epimedium grandiflorum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sugar Maple questions

What zones can Sugar Maple grow in?

Sugar Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sugar Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sugar Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sugar Maple bloom?

Sugar Maple typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sugar Maple need full sun?

Sugar Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sugar Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sugar Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.