Its five-lobed leaves grow densely on an upright columnar tree that can reach a height of 45 feet with an 18 foot 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 is orange-yellow. 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.