Species

Acer saccharumSugar Maple

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Apollo Maple

Acer saccharum 'Apollo'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America, famous for its brilliant fall foliage and for being the primary source of maple syrup. It is a slow-growing, long-lived tree with a dense, rounded crown.

'Apollo' is a cultivar selected for its narrow, columnar growth habit. It maintains a tight, upright form, making it suitable for smaller spaces where a full-sized sugar maple would not fit. Its fall color is a classic mix of yellow, orange, and red.

Uses & Benefits:

Delivers the legendary fall color of a sugar maple in a compact, columnar form. Its tight habit provides strong vertical structure in the landscape.

Its narrow form allows it to be used as a street tree, for screening, or in smaller residential yards where a traditional sugar maple would be too large.

As a native tree, it supports a wide range of wildlife. It provides nesting sites for birds and is a host plant for various moth species, including the Imperial Moth.

SpeciesAcer saccharumSugar Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

336 inches

Width

132 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, toxic to horses

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil, away from compacted areas.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level.
Backfill with native soil, watering to settle.
Water regularly for the first few years, especially during drought.
Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.

Pro Tip

Protect the thin bark from sunscald in winter and mechanical damage from mowers or string trimmers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture.
Protect the root zone from compaction.
Allow space for roots to spread.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or heavily compacted soil.
Don't use de-icing salts nearby.
Don't plant too close to pavement.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent vertical accent for narrow spacesFormal street tree or screenStunning fall color for smaller landscapes

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Tiarella cordifolia Polystichum acrostichoides Hamamelis virginiana Lindera benzoin

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Apollo Maple questions

What zones can Apollo Maple grow in?

Apollo 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 Apollo Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Apollo Maple bloom?

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

Does Apollo Maple need full sun?

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