Where does Sugar Maple grow naturally?

Sugar Maple is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and eastern Texas.

When does Sugar Maple bloom?

Sugar Maple produces small flowers in April and May, typically before the leaves emerge fully.

What pollinators visit Sugar Maple?

Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators that visit Sugar Maple flowers during the spring blooming period.

What growing conditions does Sugar Maple prefer?

Sugar Maple tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs best in well-drained, moderately moist soils.

Is Sugar Maple toxic to livestock?

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

Is Sugar Maple HOA-friendly?

Sugar Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Sugar Maple

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acer saccharum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Sugar Maple is a deciduous native tree found across eastern North America from Maine to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Texas. It blooms in April and May with small greenish-yellow flowers that attract bees and beetles.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) — Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Kent P. McFarland

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

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

600"–1200" H × 480"–960" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains South Central Plains

Sugar maple is a native shade tree prized for its spectacular fall colors ranging from yellow to brilliant orange and red. This large, long-lived tree develops a broad, rounded crown and provides excellent shade for homes and landscapes.

Growing Sugar Maple

Grow Sugar Maple in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 1200 inches tall and spread 480 to 960 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Very large mature size requires adequate space
Seasonal leaf drop in fall

Wildlife value

Host plant for rosy maple moth, Isabella tiger moth.

The small spring flowers attract bees and beetles, while the large canopy provides nesting sites for many bird species. Seeds (samaras) feed squirrels and other wildlife, and the tree supports numerous native moth and butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

Where does Sugar Maple grow naturally?: Sugar Maple is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and eastern Texas.
When does Sugar Maple bloom?: Sugar Maple produces small flowers in April and May, typically before the leaves emerge fully.
What pollinators visit Sugar Maple?: Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators that visit Sugar Maple flowers during the spring blooming period.
What growing conditions does Sugar Maple prefer?: Sugar Maple tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs best in well-drained, moderately moist soils.
Is Sugar Maple toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sugar Maple as toxic to livestock.
Is Sugar Maple HOA-friendly?: Sugar Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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