Maple
ExploreTrees
Maple
Acer
Maple trees are known for their beautiful leaves that change color in the fall. They provide shade and are used to make syrup. Maple trees are important for many animals that live in forests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Maple has distinctive, often broad, lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, or yellow in autumn. Its bark can be smooth and grey, or furrowed and dark, often with striking patterns. Many species have an elegant, rounded crown.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAcer
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Maple syrup was first discovered and used by Indigenous peoples.
Maple wood is so strong, it's used to make bowling alley lanes!
Some maple trees can grow taller than a 10-story building!
The iconic maple leaf is a proud national symbol for Canada.
Special abilities
Ability
Helicopter Glide
Maple can launch its winged seeds, called samaras, which spin like tiny helicopters to travel far from the parent tree.
Ability
Sugar Power-Up
Maple has a special ability to store sugar in its roots over winter. In spring, this sugary sap flows to help it grow.
Ability
Autumn Blaze
Maple has leaves that change into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in autumn. This helps the tree recycle nutrients.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-30 m
- Canopy Spread
- 10-20 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 30-100 cm
- Lifespan
- 150-300 years
- Fruit Type
- Samara (winged seed)
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Consumes Maple seeds and buds.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on young Maple leaves and twigs.
eats
Norway Maple Aphid
Aphis platanoides
Feeds on Maple sap from leaves.
shelters
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Nests in cavities of mature Maple trees.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
Black Maple
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy looking at maple trees and their leaves, but avoid climbing them to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Maple?
15-30 m
How wide does Maple spread?
10-20 m
Is Maple edible?
Yes
How big is Maple?
30-100 cm
How long does Maple live?
150-300 years
Where is Maple usually found?
Forests
What kind of fruit does Maple produce?
Samara (winged seed)
How fast does Maple grow?
Medium
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