Tree of the Month for November 2026

Howdy, park-goers! It's time for November 2026 Tree of the Month. This month we're highlighting the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum).

Acer saccharum, commonly known as sugar maple, is a large, deciduous tree native to Missouri. It typically grows 40 to 80 feet tall, sometimes reaching 100 feet, with a dense, rounded crown.

Sugar maple is a major component of the Eastern U.S. hardwood forest and is one of the species most responsible for building New England’s reputation for spectacular fall color. Its leaves are 3 to 6 inches wide, with three to five lobes. During the growing season, the foliage is medium green and typically turns yellow to orange in autumn, although considerable color variations may occur.

The fruit of Acer saccharum consists of the familiar two-winged samaras commonly found on trees in the Acer genus. Sugar maples are long-lived trees that grow relatively slowly, although they tend to grow somewhat faster during their first 35 years.

Early European colonists learned from Indigenous peoples of eastern North America how to tap sugar maple trees to produce maple syrup. Today, maple syrup production has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States and Canada.

Sugar maple makes an excellent shade tree and provides stunning fall color. Its leaf is also the national symbol of Canada and is featured on the country's flag.