Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum, Sapindaceae

Zones

3–8

Layer

Canopy

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Slow

Guild Roles

Shade ProviderDynamic AccumulatorProducer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Sun (optimal)Full Sun (optimal)

Water

ModerateModerate

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

LettuceLactuca sativa

Shade Provision

Asian GinsengPanax ginseng

Shade ProvisionNurse Plant

Highbush CranberryViburnum trilobum

Nurse PlantBeneficial Insect Habitat

Grays SedgeCarex grayi

Nutrient AccumulationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Eastern HemlockTsuga canadensis

Shade ProvisionNutrient AccumulationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Red OakQuercus rubra

Sugar maple's dense canopy and shallow root system compete with oak seedlings, while maple leaf litter can inhibit oak regeneration

Eastern White PinePinus strobus

Sugar maple's dense shade and acidic leaf litter create conditions unfavorable for pine seedling establishment and growth

CottonwoodPopulus deltoides

Cottonwood's allelopathic root exudates and aggressive root system can inhibit sugar maple establishment and growth

Tulip TreeLiriodendron tulipifera

Tulip tree's allelopathic compounds and rapid growth can suppress sugar maple regeneration in forest understories

Uses

Functions

Nutrient AccumulationTimberFood

Edible Parts

Sap

Common Questions

What zones does Sugar Maple grow in?

Sugar Maple grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8.

What are good companion plants for Sugar Maple?

Good companions for Sugar Maple include Lettuce, Asian Ginseng, Highbush Cranberry, Grays Sedge, Eastern Hemlock.

Design guilds with Sugar Maple and see companion relationships visually.

Try PatternBase free