Acer saccharum
Sugar maple with Jason Library, in autumn (above) and summer (below).
Acer saccharum
SUGAR MAPLE
Aceraceae
E. North America
Location: map coordinates P-24 (near east corner of Delaware Hall), N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'33''
Planting history: presently unknown
Description:
Native species, State Rank S3 (uncommon, but not of conservation concern, yet) in New Castle County piedmont, Delaware
SUGAR MAPLE
Aceraceae
E. North America
Location: map coordinates P-24 (near east corner of Delaware Hall), N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'33''
Planting history: presently unknown
Description:
- large deciduous tree
- etymology: Acer is the classical name; Acer means sharp, probably from Roman spears with sharp tips, made from the wood of a maple species; saccharum = name for sugar cane (sugar maple sap is made into maple syrup)
- leaves opposite (as in all maples); palmately 5-lobed; lack small teeth between the lobes. Fall foliage golden/reddish, beautiful
- said to be monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant) or dioecious (male and female flowers on different plants); flowers small, greenish-yellow, lacking petals, drooping on longish pedicels
- fruit 2 joined samaras (winged achenes); seeds food for birds and small mammals
- source of maple syrup
- wood very hard, durable; very good for lumber, furniture (considered a “hard maple”)
- native range primarily northeastern, south to Georgia and Texas; very shade-tolerant
Native species, State Rank S3 (uncommon, but not of conservation concern, yet) in New Castle County piedmont, Delaware
HIT REFRESH TO START LOCATION GRAPHIC