Sugar Maple

Description:

er saccharum is a deciduous tree normally reaching heights of 25–35 m (82–115 ft) tall,[3][4] and exceptionally up to 45 m (148 ft).[5] A 10-year-old tree is typically about 5 m (16 ft) tall. The leaves are deciduous, up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long and equally wide,[3] with five palmate lobes. The basal lobes are relatively small, while the upper lobes are larger and deeply notched. In contrast with the angular notching of the silver maple, however, the notches tend to be rounded at their interior. The fall color is often spectacular, ranging from bright yellow through orange to fluorescent red-orange. Sugar maples also have a tendency to color unevenly in fall. In some trees, all colors above can be seen at the same time. They also share a tendency with red maples for certain parts of a mature tree to change color weeks ahead of or behind the remainder of the tree. The leaf buds are pointy and brown-colored. The recent year's growth twigs are green, and turn dark brown. The flowers are in corymbs of five to 10 together, yellow-green and without petals; flowering occurs in early spring after 30-55 growing degree days.

Habitat:

Acer saccharum (sugar maple) is a species of maple native to the hardwood forests of northeastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario, and south to Georgia and Texas.[2] TYpically found in the moist, well-drained soils of the north Georgia mountains.

Notes:

Growing near the parking lot in a wooded area. Sugar maple is best known for its bright fall foliage and for being the primary source of maple syrup.