Its five-lobed leaves grow densely on an upright oval tree that can reach a height of 70 feet. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear in spring before the leaves emerge. The tree's winged fruit, or samara, matures in the fall. Autumn color is highly variable, ranging from yellow or orange to red, but is always outstanding. Sugar maple, the main source of maple syrup, enlivens landscapes across the cooler regions of eastern North America with its bright fall colors ranging from yellow to red. These slow-growing, large-maturing trees, develop a dense, round canopy but are not very tolerant of compacted soils. Instead, use in park-like settings and plant in moist, rich soil.

Illinois native species.