southern sugar maple
ExplorePlants
southern sugar maple
Acer floridanum
The southern sugar maple is a beautiful tree with lovely leaves that turn bright colors in the fall. It can grow tall and provides shade for people and animals alike.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The southern sugar maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree with distinctively five-lobed leaves that are smooth and bright green above, often fuzzy underneath. Its bark is typically grayish-brown, becoming furrowed and somewhat flaky with age, making it visually appealing year-round.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAcer
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Early settlers learned to tap its sap for a sweet, natural sugar source long before stores existed!
Its hard, dense wood is perfect for making fine furniture, flooring, and even musical instruments!
This tree is a master of survival, thriving in diverse soils from wet riverbanks to dry uplands.
Unlike northern maples, this southern cousin often keeps its vibrant green leaves longer into autumn.
Special abilities
Ability
Sweet Sap Producer
Southern sugar maple can produce sweet sap that helps it store energy for new growth after the winter months.
Ability
Drought Resilience
Southern sugar maple has deep roots and relatively thick leaves that help it survive dry spells in warmer climates.
Ability
Winged Seed Glider
Southern sugar maple has unique seeds with 'wings' (samaras) that help them spin and glide far from the parent tree.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1500-3000 cm
- Spread
- 900-1500 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Early spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on young leaves and twigs.
eats
Eastern gray squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Feeds on the tree's winged seeds.
shelters
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Builds nests and finds refuge in its branches.
shelters
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
Uses dead wood for nesting cavities.
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.
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.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
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
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always stay on paths when exploring near trees, and don't climb without an adult's help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is southern sugar maple?
1500-3000 cm
How wide does southern sugar maple spread?
900-1500 cm
How big are the flowers on southern sugar maple?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does southern sugar maple bloom?
Early spring
Is southern sugar maple edible?
Yes
Is southern sugar maple toxic?
None
What is southern sugar maple's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is southern sugar maple pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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