sugar maple

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• hard maple
• rock maple
• sugar maple

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Saccharodendron saccharum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Acer saccharum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Sapindales and the family Sapindaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Acer.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several continents. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented across both Germany and Poland. Moving toward Southwestern Europe, it is also found growing within the borders of France. The species extends its range into Eastern Asia, specifically inhabiting parts of Korea. Finally, it is located in Eastern Canada within the province of New Brunswick.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acer saccharum is characterized by its native distribution across the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where it functions as a dominant or co-dominant species in climax deciduous forests. In its natural range, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often found in mesic environments under various canopy conditions, though it is notably shade-tolerant, allowing it to persist in the understory for extended periods. Beyond its indigenous territories, the species has been successfully cultivated in the European part of the USSR, demonstrating a degree of ecological plasticity when introduced to different temperate climates. Its growth patterns and survival are closely tied to seasonal temperature fluctuations and specific soil nutrient profiles typical of temperate broadleaf forests.

Habitat :

cultivated in the European Part of the USSR, native to the northeast U.S. and E. Canada

Life history

The life history of Acer saccharum is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it lives for many years and undergoes seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy. As a long-lived deciduous tree, its lifecycle begins with the germination of seeds, typically produced in winged samaras that disperse via wind. During the early stages of its life, the plant focuses on establishing a robust root system and a sturdy woody stem to support its eventual canopy. As it matures, it enters a cycle of seasonal development where it produces lush foliage in the spring and summer to facilitate photosynthesis, followed by a period of senescence in the autumn as it prepares for winter dormancy. Throughout its lengthy lifespan, the plant undergoes repeated reproductive cycles, flowering in the spring to facilitate pollination and producing seeds to ensure the continuation of the species across successive generations.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acer saccharum is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting organism rather than a climber, liana, or vine. This species is a terrestrial plant that grows independently, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. It reaches significant dimensions in the forest canopy, exhibiting a mean plant height of approximately 29.96 meters, with the potential to reach a maximum height of up to 40 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

40 m

Plant height mean:

29.9566666666667 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acer saccharum is characterized by its metabolic processes and structural adaptations designed for temperate forest environments. A defining aspect of its metabolic function is its photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes the C3 pathway to fix carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. This process involves the initial fixation of CO2 by the enzyme RuBisCO to form a three-carbon compound, a mechanism typical of most deciduous trees living in environments where water availability is relatively consistent. To support this energy production, the plant exhibits seasonal physiological shifts, transitioning from active nutrient uptake and high transpiration rates during the growing season to a state of dormancy in winter. During dormancy, the tree undergoes complex biochemical changes, including the accumulation of sugars—specifically sucrose—within its vascular tissues, which serves as a cryoprotectant to lower the freezing point of cellular fluids and protect against intracellular ice formation. Furthermore, its physiological regulation of water transport is managed through highly coordinated xylem vessels that balance the need for nutrient translocation with the risks of cavitation and embolism during fluctuating environmental conditions.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Acer saccharum is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and specialized seed dispersal mechanisms. The flowering period is concentrated in the month of June, with both the flowering start and flowering end occurring during this timeframe. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a specific weight range; the seed mass varies from a minimum of 0.038179 g to a maximum of 0.07143 g, maintaining a mean seed mass of approximately 0.06107629175 g. To facilitate the spread of its progeny, the species employs an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, utilizing wind currents to transport its seeds away from the parent plant.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Seed mass max:

0.07143 g

Seed mass mean:

0.06107629175 g

Seed mass min:

0.038179 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Acer saccharum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chemicals

Acer saccharum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-Hydroxyestradiol, Dienogest, GINNALIN A, Trenbolone, estradiol.

2-Hydroxyestradiol

1. Nutrients

Dienogest

1. Nutrients

GINNALIN A

1. Food & function

Trenbolone

1. Nutrients

estradiol

1. Nutrients

farnesol

1. Nutrients

linoleic acid

1. Nutrients

Activities

Acer saccharum has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant.

Antidiabetic

1. Food & function

Antioxidant

1. Food & function

Medicinal Uses

Acer saccharum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include advanced glycation end-products, antidiabetic, colon cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations