Its five- lobed leaves grow densely on an upright oval tree that can reach a height of 30 feet with a similar spread. The sugar maple is an excellent shade tree for lawns and parks. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge. The tree's winged fruit, or samaras, matures in the fall. Autumn color starts early and is a bright red. One of the best known trees of eastern North America, sugar maple is as prized for its ornamental value as for the syrup produced from its sap. It is a favorite maple for fall color. Sugar maples should be planted in well-drained soils. They are not tolerant of salt spray.