Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Form

Height 80 to 100 feet or more, diameter 2 to 3 feet; symmetrical, heavy, round crown.

Bark

On young trees, light gray to brown and somewhat smooth; on older trees, gray to almost black with long, irregular plates or scales which often loosen on the sides. Twigs are smooth and reddish-brown with sharp-pointed winter buds.

Leaf

Opposite; 3 to 5 inches long, usually 5 lobed; lobes wavy toothed; dark green on upper surface, paler green below; in autumn, turing brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.

Fruit

A pair of fused samaras, about 1 inch long; matures in fall.

Range

Found throughout the state on the better soils.

Wood

Light brown, hard, heavy, strong, close-grained; known commercially as hard or rock maple; used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, maple syrup and fuel.