Species

Acer saccharumSugar Maple

6 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Commemoration Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum 'Commemoration'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharum, the sugar maple, is a large, long-lived deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is famed for its spectacular fall foliage, its value as a timber tree, and for being the primary source of maple syrup.

'Commemoration' is a vigorous, fast-growing cultivar selected for its thick, leathery, dark green leaves that are resistant to tattering. It is particularly noted for its reliable and brilliant fall color, a vibrant mix of orange and red.

Uses & Benefits:

'Commemoration' is a quintessential shade tree, offering a dense, cooling canopy in summer and a spectacular, fiery orange-red foliage display in autumn. Its stately, upright-oval form provides a strong vertical element and sense of permanence in the landscape. The smooth gray bark of young trees matures to a deeply furrowed, attractive texture.

As a large shade tree, it can significantly reduce summer cooling costs for homes when strategically placed. The dense wood is highly valued for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. While any sugar maple can be tapped for syrup, cultivars are typically grown for ornamental use.

Sugar maples are a keystone species in their native forest ecosystems. They provide habitat and nesting sites for birds and squirrels. The flowers are an important early-season pollen source for bees, and the seeds (samaras) are food for various small mammals.

SpeciesAcer saccharumSugar Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

100+ years

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 deep, well-drained, fertile loam soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Place the tree so its root flare is visible at the soil line.
Backfill with the native soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply a wide ring of mulch, keeping it several inches from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting near roads or driveways where de-icing salts are used, as sugar maples are highly salt-sensitive.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its large mature size.
Water deeply and infrequently once established to encourage deep roots.
Protect the thin bark of young trees from mowers and string trimmers.
Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Have the tree inspected by a certified arborist every few years once mature.

Don't

Do not plant in compacted soil or areas with poor drainage.
Avoid siting it in narrow lawn strips or small yards.
Don't prune in late winter or early spring, as it will 'bleed' sap heavily.
Never pile mulch against the trunk ('volcano mulching').
Avoid fertilizing unless a soil test indicates a specific deficiency.

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

Classic large-scale shade treeBrilliant autumn foliage specimenStately tree for parks and large properties

Companion Plants

Fagus grandifolia Quercus rubra Tilia americana Asarum canadense Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Commemoration Sugar Maple questions

What zones can Commemoration Sugar Maple grow in?

Commemoration 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 Commemoration Sugar Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Commemoration Sugar Maple bloom?

Commemoration Sugar 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 Commemoration Sugar Maple need full sun?

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

Is Commemoration Sugar Maple drought tolerant?

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