Discover Different Types of Maple Trees

The maple tree family is a large one, and it includes trees of all shapes and sizes. From broad and spreading Norway maples, to columnar red maples, to short and shrubby 'Emerald Elf’ amur maple, you can find a maple tree to fit any planting need. Japanese maples are probably the best-known members of the family, but we’re inviting you to meet other types of maple trees. If you’re in the market for a tree, consider a maple. You won’t be disappointed.

Sugar maples (Acer saccharum) are native trees, making up much of the U.S. hardwood forest along the East Coast. As the name suggests, this is the maple that is tapped to release sap, which can be boiled down to make maple syrup. In addition to their sweet sap, sugar maples are famous for their stunning fall color. This maple makes a good shade tree. If planted in a row, it can form an elegant allee and an effective windbreak. This grouping shows Fall Fiesta sugar maple (Acer saccharum 'Bailsta'), which boasts strong, rapid growth and a rounded form. Leaves resist summer heat, wind and drought. Sugar maple trees grow 60' to 75' tall and up to 30' to 40' wide. Hardy in Zones 3-8.

The famous fall color of New England owes its reputation to sugar maples (Acer saccharum). Fall Fiesta sugar maple was introduced in 1987. Its fall color features more oranges and reds than other sugar maples. This selection also boasts strong winter hardiness, with a trunk that’s resistant to sunscald and frost cracks, conditions that can occur during cold winters. Give trees a sunny spot in moist, well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic. Trees grow 50' to 75' tall and up to 50' wide. Hardy in Zones 3-7.

Red maple (Acer rubrum) is beloved for its red flowers that blanket the tree in spring, opening before leaves appear. Summer leaf color is a steady green. Autumn triggers a color show with varying shades of red, from brilliant to deep burgundy. 'Autumn Spire' red maple is an upright, narrow accent tree that embodies the traditional beauty of red maple in a size that fits any yard. Trees grow 50' tall and 20' to 25' wide. They’re drought tolerant once established and also withstand flooding. Developed by the University of Minnesota, this maple holds its own where winter thermometer readings linger below zero. Expect trees to live 80 to 100 years. Hardy in Zones 3-6.