Acer saccharum - Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maple, is the iconic North American maple — celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking autumn display and as the source of maple syrup. Plant one now and watch it become a landmark in your garden for generations to come.

Slow to establish but worth every year of patience, the Sugar Maple matures into a broad, rounded shade tree with a majestic presence. Come autumn, it ignites in intense oranges, reds, and golds — some of the most vivid colour of any deciduous tree.

What makes it special

• Autumn colour: Intense oranges, reds, and golds — among the best of any tree
• Form: Upright when young, maturing into a broad, rounded shade tree
• Longevity: A slow, steady tree that can live for decades
• Cold hardy: Well suited to cold-climate gardens like Ballarat

Size & growth

• Approximate height: 10–20m
• Approximate width: 8–12m
• Growth rate: Slow to moderate

Growing conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic preferred
• Water: Regular watering while establishing; moderately drought tolerant once mature
• Frost hardy