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This stately tree is well-known for its fall color and production of maple syrup. It is a tree of northern forests and does not tolerate the heat or humidity of the south.

Latin Name

Acer saccharum


Family

Sapindaceae


Also Known As

Rock Maple


Type of Plant

Trees Trees

Seasons

Fall Fall
Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 80'
Max spread Max Spread: 60'

Uses

  • Shade Tree
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Heavy Shade

  • Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern North America


    History

    George Washington planted sugar maples at Mount Vernon, but was generally unsuccessful.


    Other Details

    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Botanical Garden

  • Botanical Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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