Acer saccharum - Arce azucarero

Originally from Northeastern North America and Southern Canada, the Acer saccharum, not to be confused with Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple), is known regionally as the Sugar Maple or Hard Maple. It is a large tree of the Aceraceae family, growing naturally in deciduous or coniferous forests where it can reach up to 40 m in height. Since the arrival of the first settlers in the 21st century, Acer saccharum has been cultivated to produce maple syrup (sugarbush), obtained from "maple water" collected by tapping holes in the tree trunk at the end of winter.

The Acer saccharum has a spread-out rounded to ovoid shape. In our climates, it reaches 20 to 25 m in height by 10 to 12 m in spread. The deciduous foliage consists of large leaves deeply cut into 3 to 5 lobes, dark green on the upper side and paler underneath. They measure 8 to 20 cm in length by as much, if not more, in width. In autumn, they blaze with spectacular hues, ranging from golden yellow to bright red and orange. Flowering occurs in March-April, before the leaves emerge. The small greenish-yellow, nectar-producing flowers are arranged in hanging terminal clusters. The fruiting, in the form of two-winged fruits called samaras, is abundant. It only appears on specimens at least 20 years old and is highly appreciated by birds and small mammals. The bark of the branches is brownish-green, turning grey and cracking vertically with age.

The Acer saccharum is a vigorous tree, fast-growing, perfectly resistant to severe frosts. It thrives in deep, well-drained, and fresh soil. It prefers rather acidic soils and dislikes excess limestone and stagnant water. A well-established specimen can tolerate occasional dry soil. Its root system spreads considerably in depth and width, even at the surface. Planted alone in a park or large garden, it will be majestic. It can also be planted in rows along wide avenues, providing shade in summer and illuminating with its colours in autumn.

Good to know: Acer saccharum is often mistaken for Acer platanoides (Norway Maple). They can be distinguished by crushing the leaves: the leaves of A. saccharum will produce a clear and transparent sap, unlike the white sap of A. platanoides.