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Florida Maple

Acer barbatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Florida Maple (Acer barbatum)
Photo: (c) Ryan Goodman, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Florida Maple (Acer barbatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–600" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Southern sugar maple is a large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, closely related to the more familiar sugar maple. It develops a broad, rounded canopy and provides excellent shade with attractive fall color ranging from yellow to orange-red.

In an HOA neighborhood

Florida Maple is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.

  • Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
  • Requires adequate space for full canopy development

Wildlife value

The flowers provide early nectar for bees and other pollinators in spring. Seeds feed squirrels and birds, while the large canopy offers nesting sites and shelter for various wildlife species.

Common questions

How much sun does Florida Maple need?
Florida Maple grows best in part sun conditions.
Where is Florida Maple native?
Florida Maple (Acer barbatum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Florida Maple HOA-friendly?
Florida Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Florida Maple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz