How much sun does Southern Sugar Maple need?

Southern Sugar Maple grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Southern Sugar Maple bloom?

Southern Sugar Maple blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Southern Sugar Maple native?

Southern Sugar Maple (Acer floridanum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Southern Sugar Maple toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Southern Sugar Maple as toxic to livestock.

Is Southern Sugar Maple HOA-friendly?

Southern Sugar Maple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Southern Sugar Maple

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acer floridanum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Southern Sugar Maple (Acer floridanum) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Southern Sugar Maple as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–1200" H × 144"–720" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains

Southern Sugar Maple is a medium to large deciduous tree native to Texas that provides excellent shade and stunning fall color. It grows 20-100 feet tall with a rounded crown and develops brilliant orange to red foliage in autumn.

In an HOA neighborhood

Southern Sugar Maple takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

This tree supports various native birds that nest in its branches and feed on its seeds. The spring flowers attract small pollinators, and the tree serves as a host for several butterfly species.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern Sugar Maple need?: Southern Sugar Maple grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Southern Sugar Maple bloom?: Southern Sugar Maple blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Southern Sugar Maple native?: Southern Sugar Maple (Acer floridanum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Southern Sugar Maple toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Southern Sugar Maple as toxic to livestock.
Is Southern Sugar Maple HOA-friendly?: Southern Sugar Maple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

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

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