The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is a large, iconic North American hardwood deciduous tree, celebrated for its brilliant orange-red fall foliage, high-quality timber, and as the primary source of maple syrup. Growing 60–90 feet tall with a dense, rounded crown, it thrives in cool, moist, well-drained habitats and is highly shade-tolerant. 
Key Characteristics and Facts
Appearance: Features opposite, simple leaves with 5 distinct, sharp lobes and smooth, gray bark that becomes furrowed with age.
Fall Color: Known for spectacular autumn displays ranging from bright yellow to vibrant orange and deep red.
Growth Rate: Slow to medium; typically grows 1–2 feet per year.
Habitat: Native to Eastern North America (Nova Scotia to Minnesota, south to Georgia).
Syrup Production: The sap has a high sugar concentration, making it the premier species for syrup, requiring roughly 40 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup.
Wildlife Value: Provides excellent shade and habitat, with seeds, twigs, and leaves supporting animals like deer, squirrels, and birds.
Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, but is sensitive to drought, soil compaction, and road salt. 
Sugar maples are frequently used in residential landscapes and parks, provided they have adequate space to grow. They are long-lived trees but are not ideal for small, urban, or highly polluted areas due to their sensitivity to salt and, at times, poor air quality.