21+ Different Types Of Maple Trees With Pictures

Maple trees have earned their reputation as a popular choice for landscaping due to their versatility and striking appearance. Withstanding drought, full sun, or shade, these trees offer flexibility in terms of maintenance. Moreover, their fall foliage is renowned for its vibrant hues, with some species displaying multiple colors at once. However, the maple tree’s appeal extends beyond its iconic leaves.

There are numerous species, each with unique characteristics, making it a fascinating subject to explore.

From an aesthetic standpoint, maple trees boast an array of autumnal shades. Some species sport single hues, while others display a kaleidoscope of colors. This diversity is reflected in the many types of maple trees, each with its distinct features. In this article, we will delve into some of the most notable species and explore what makes them special.

What does a maple tree look like?

Maple trees, belonging to the Acer genus, boast an impressive range of characteristics that set them apart from other tree species. The vast majority of known maple species are deciduous, capable of growing into towering trees with substantial trunks or multi-stemmed shrubs. A quick glance at a maple’s leaves is often enough to confirm its identity, thanks to the distinctive lobed, five-point shape.

Throughout most of the year, the foliage remains a vibrant green, but as autumn arrives, the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of colors. Beyond their striking appearance, maples are also notable for their dark bark, reddish-brown twigs, and occasional production of winged fruits. However, it’s worth noting that maple trees can be problematic due to their invasive roots, which have been known to spread beneath concrete and other surfaces.

How many types of maple trees are there?

Across the globe, it’s estimated that over 130 species of maple trees thrive in various regions. The majority can be found in Europe, Asia, North America, and Northern Africa. Interestingly, a significant 13 of these species are indigenous to Canada and its neighboring North American states.

Where do maple trees grow?

Maple trees are surprisingly adaptable to different climate zones, thriving in areas with USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. While they generally excel in cooler climates, they can also flourish in temperate regions. When planting, ensure that the tree receives full sun or partial shade. Interestingly, some maple species prefer well-drained soil and moderate moisture levels, mimicking their natural swampy habitats.

However, others are more tolerant of dry conditions and may even struggle with excessive moisture.

Maple tree facts

Maple trees have been a staple on our planet for over 100 million years, predating even the dinosaurs. This remarkable tree has been evolving for centuries, with its genus Acer boasting some of the most variable species when it comes to height – some reaching just 8ft, while others soar above 120ft. Interestingly, maple trees don’t start producing syrup until they’re around 30-50 years old, and the oldest recorded maple tree lived an astonishing 300 years.

Beyond their iconic syrup, maples are also prized for their wood, which is chipped and turned into coal used in Tennessee whiskey distillation processes. Additionally, maple’s unique acoustic properties make it a sought-after tone wood for crafting musical instruments. In various regions, like Canada, Japan, and the US, maple trees play a significant role in tourism and local economies.

Furthermore, conservation experts recommend planting more maples as one of the most effective ways to boost dwindling honeybee populations. With their remarkable adaptability, balance, magic, promise, and longevity, it’s no wonder maples have become symbolic of these qualities.

Maple tree identification

When it comes to identifying the numerous types and cultivars of maple trees, several key visual cues can be employed. Leaf shape, size, and arrangement are crucial factors in distinguishing one species from another. Additionally, examining the texture and coloration of the bark, as well as the overall height and profile of the tree, can provide valuable clues. Furthermore, a closer look at the flowers and reproductive structures can also aid in accurate identification.

Leaf

Maple tree leaves are characterized by their distinctive lobed shape and five pointed edges. A notable exception to this rule are the paperbark and box elder maple trees, which possess compound leaves featuring 2-3 leaflets per stem. The vast majority of maple trees display a fuzzy coating on their underside, although the silver maple boasts the softest of these. Interestingly, when broken, many maple tree leaves release a bit of milky sap.

This characteristic can be used to identify certain species: sugar maples are known for their abundant sap production, while Norway maples are devoid of any sap. In terms of serration, all maple trees feature finely toothed edges; however, the red maple stands out with its particularly sharp and serrated leaves.

Bark

Maple tree bark undergoes a transformation as the trees mature. Initially, it’s a grayish-brown hue, but eventually, it develops into a darker brown with prominent furrows and distinctive grooves between the plates. Not all maple trees follow this pattern, though – some may display more subtle fissures or even smooth barks, adding to their unique character.

Height

While many people associate maple trees with a certain level of uniformity, the truth is that they can grow to an astonishing range of heights. On one end of the spectrum, dwarf or ornamental maples can reach as low as 8 feet tall, making them perfect for small gardens or landscaping projects. Meanwhile, some species of maple have been known to soar to incredible heights, with the tallest varieties easily exceeding 120 feet and beyond.

Flowers

While it may come as a surprise to many, maple trees are actually capable of producing flowers. These blossoms typically burst forth with vibrant hues such as yellow-green, yellow, and white, often during the spring season. However, some species like the silver maple have been known to bloom slightly earlier in late winter. Additionally, other maple varieties may not flower until the warmth of summer sets in.

Oak vs Maple tree

Despite being two of the most ubiquitous shade trees in North America, distinguishing between maple and oak can be a challenge without knowing where to start. While they share some superficial similarities, their differences become more apparent upon closer inspection. Let’s delve into the key distinctions that set these two species apart.

One area where they differ is in their taxonomy. Maple trees belong to the Acer family, while oak trees fall under Quercus.

This difference has implications for their uses and characteristics. For instance, maple trees are often used as ornamental, shade, or hedge trees, whereas oak trees have a wider range of applications, including syrup production, lumber, and even ornamental purposes.

Size is another area where the two species diverge. Maple trees typically reach heights between 8-120 feet, while oak trees can grow to be over 100 feet tall.

Their bark also provides a visual clue to their identity, with maple trees sporting smoother bark with subtle grooves and fissures, whereas oak trees have rougher, thicker bark with deep fissures.

Root systems are another key difference between the two species. Maple trees tend to have shallower roots, while oak trees have deeper, more extensive root systems. Fruit production also differs significantly, with maple trees producing samaras and oak trees producing acorns.

Both maple and oak trees have been used in various industries for centuries, from woodworking to early manufacturing. As specimen trees, they both have their unique charms, making them suitable for landscaping purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two species will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Types of maple trees

While it’s true that there are numerous species of maple trees, many people remain unfamiliar with their names. In fact, some species may be rare and exceptional specimens in any landscape or garden setting. To shed more light on these incredible trees, let’s explore some notable maple tree types that are worth getting to know.

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

The smallest of maple trees is this compact variety, which exhibits a unique multi-stem growth pattern when pruned as a shrub. As it matures into a small tree, its crown becomes rounded and densely packed with foliage. Also known as the Siberian maple, it’s classified as a subspecies of Tatarian maple. Its natural habitats include Siberia, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia, where it can reach up to 30ft in height. During the fall season, its leaves display vibrant red and yellow hues.

Popular cultivars like ‘Flame’ and ‘Ember’ showcase the tree’s remarkable coloration. Interestingly, once its root system is established, this maple develops impressive drought tolerance.

Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)

The Sugar Maple tree is easily recognizable due to its impressive showiness. Its leaves are particularly notable for being the largest among all maple trees, reaching widths of up to 12 inches or even larger. This species is also known as the Oregon maple or broadleaf maple. The tree’s distinctive features extend beyond its leaves, as it boasts a large trunk and reddish-brown bark with furrows that add to its unique appearance.

Its ability to provide significant shade has led to widespread planting in national parks and streets. With a maximum height of 100 feet, the Sugar Maple thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Its hardiness is notable, being suitable for zones 5-9 and demonstrating an impressive tolerance to drought.

Boxelder Maple (Acer Negundo)

Known for its versatility, the boxelder maple is also referred to as the Manitoba maple or ash-leaved maple. This deciduous tree is a rapid grower that can sometimes develop multiple trunks as it matures, reaching heights of up to 80 feet. As a result, it’s often used as a shade tree rather than a specimen tree. One of its distinctive features is the unique shape of its leaves, which resemble those of ivy more so than traditional maple leaves.

At first, these leaves have three distinct lobes, but as they mature, they lose this characteristic and become smooth-edged and lobeless. Furthermore, the leaves are also serrated along their edges and turn a vibrant yellow during the fall season.

Coral Bark maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’)

The Sango-kaku maple, also known as the coral bark maple, is an ornamental cultivar of the Japanese maple that excels in its four-season display. During spring, it sports yellow-green leaves, transitioning to deeper greens during summer. As fall approaches, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of orange and golden yellow. Winter brings a unique feature – leafless stems glowing with a reddish-brown hue that deepens as the season progresses.

This versatile tree is an excellent choice for underlayer landscapes, reaching heights of 20-25ft, where it provides a striking contrast to evergreens. With its preference for well-draining soils and tolerance for full sun to partial shade, the Sango-kaku maple thrives in environments that provide moderate moisture and growth rates.

‘Crimson King’ Norway maple (Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’)

The ornamental maple tree is renowned for its striking deep purple foliage during the summer months, which then transitions into a vibrant golden yellow hue in the fall. This hardy specimen is well-suited for large estates, national parks, and urban landscapes alike, thanks to its ability to thrive in a range of conditions including drought and frost-prone environments.

At maturity, it can reach heights of 25-40 feet, making it an attractive option as both an ornamental tree and a shade provider. Its upright growth habit yields a dense, rounded crown that can be maintained with minimal pruning efforts. Notably, this maple variety is tolerant of zones 3-7, full to partial sun, and various soil and climatic conditions, allowing it to flourish even in the face of long winters.

Freeman Maple (Acer freemanii)

This versatile maple species can thrive in urban environments due to its remarkable adaptability to varying soil, temperature, and air quality conditions. Alternatively, it can be cultivated as a stately deciduous tree boasting a dense, rounded crown. Regardless of the chosen form, this tree is sure to impress with its stunning fall foliage display. Its lobed leaves transform from yellow-green to vibrant orange or deep crimson hues in autumn, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.

Moreover, it boasts soft, textured bark and subtle furrows, setting it apart from other maple trees.

Hedge Maple/Field Maple (Acer campestre)

The Field Maple tree stands out for its adaptability to varying environmental conditions, making it an ideal choice for urban landscapes. Its care requirements are surprisingly lenient, allowing it to flourish in a range of soils, from full sun to partial shade, and even thrive in polluted areas. Furthermore, this resilient shrub is capable of surviving droughts with minimal maintenance.

As its name suggests, the Field Maple tree typically grows to be a small to medium-sized shrub, often utilized as a hedging solution.

In autumn, the leaves transform into vibrant shades of yellow, adding a pop of color to the landscape. This compact tree reaches heights of 25-35 feet and is native to Europe and southwest Asia. Its hardiness zone range is 5-8.

Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium)

At first glance, the hornbeam maple may seem like an unlikely candidate to be a maple tree at all, given its lack of lobed leaves. Instead, its elongated leaves are completely lobeless, setting it apart from other maples. However, it’s not just the leaves that set this tree apart – its unique characteristics also earned it its name.

As the seasons change, the hornbeam maple’s yellow-green leaves take on a new hue, transitioning to a warm yellow in early fall before deepening into a rich brownish gold as the season progresses. Although it may be a rare find, the hornbeam maple is certainly a striking addition to any landscape, growing up to 30ft tall and making for a beautiful specimen tree.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

The sugar maple tree is a popular choice for landscaping due to its incredible versatility. It boasts one of the largest numbers of cultivars among maple species, which is largely attributed to its ability to thrive in various forms – whether it’s left to grow into its natural state or carefully pruned and shaped for unique aesthetics. What’s more, this tree can be grown in containers, making it an ideal option for smaller spaces or those with limited soil conditions.

On average, sugar maple trees reach a mature height of 25 feet, with a preference for partial shade and well-draining soils. Come autumn, these deciduous trees don’t disappoint, showcasing vibrant pink hues on their leaves as the seasons change, creating a stunning visual display that’s sure to delight.

Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’)

The Garnet Maple, a cultivar of the Japanese maple, boasts striking foliage colors that make it a standout in any landscape. Its leaves are deeply dissected and seven-lobed, displaying a vibrant red-orange-purple hue throughout the summer months. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a stunning ruby red. This ornamental tree’s dramatic, pendulous growth habit makes it an attractive focal point, growing to heights of 5-10ft.

Its versatility allows it to be grown as small trees, shrubs, or even container plants. While it can thrive in various settings, it is not immune to common maple tree pests and diseases.

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

The Norway maple is a ubiquitous sight in national parks, streets, and residential areas due to its impressive size. Its remarkable hardiness allows it to thrive in high-traffic areas, withstand long winters, and tolerate droughts. Additionally, it can flourish in soils with high salt and acid content, making it an ideal choice for landscapes with challenging conditions.

Norway maples prefer full sun to partial shade and typically reach heights of 50ft in zones 4-7.

When incorporating them into your landscape design, it’s essential to plant them a safe distance from the home’s structure as their roots can be invasive and sturdy. One of the most striking aspects of the Norway maple is its vibrant fall color display, featuring hues of red, orange, and yellow that are sure to captivate.

October glory maple (Acer rubrum ‘October Glory‘)

This stunning maple cultivar is a hybrid of the red maple, thriving best in temperate to warmer climates. Its vibrant red flowers bloom in spring, followed by small fruits that provide vital sustenance for local wildlife. The seeds within these fruits are a prized food source for animals. As a fast-growing tree, it can reach heights of 40-50 feet, making it an impressive addition to any landscape.

One of its most striking features is the kaleidoscope of color displayed during fall, as red, orange, and yellow leaves unfold in a breathtaking display. While it does have some tolerance for drought, this ornamental maple tree is not entirely impervious to common pests and diseases that can affect trees.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

The Copper-Barked Maple tree gets its striking name from its unique brown copper bark and continually peeling branches. Reaching heights of up to 25 feet, it’s a stunning specimen tree that can thrive as either a multi-stem shrub or be trained to grow as a single stem. The tree’s leaves typically remain bright green throughout the year, but during fall, they transform into a vibrant red hue.

In contrast to other maple trees, this one requires more consistent moisture and cannot tolerate poor soil quality. As such, it’s essential to use high-quality potting mix if you plan to grow it in containers.

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is renowned for its exceptional tolerance of warm climates, thriving in USDA zones 3-9. This fast-growing species can reach impressive heights of up to 75 feet, making it an excellent choice for landscaping purposes due to its extensive shade coverage. Nevertheless, its invasive root system necessitates careful planting, ideally at a distance from residential structures.

The tree’s leaves transform into vibrant shades of red and orange approximately two weeks prior to fall’s arrival, serving as a natural harbinger of the season’s approach. While it is adaptable to varying soil conditions, the Red Maple does exhibit susceptibility to a broad spectrum of maple tree pests and diseases, presenting a potential drawback.

Shirasawa’s Maple/Fullmoon maple (Acer shirasawanum)

The Full Moon Maple, also known as Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’, is a stunning shrub native to Japan. Its ornamental value is so high that it’s often linked with its close relative, the Amur Maple. This beautiful plant grows between 20-30 feet tall and boasts some remarkable features. Notably, its leaves have 9-13 lobes, are serrated along their edges, and rounded in shape. As the seasons change, the leaves put on a spectacular show of color.

In autumn, they transition from yellow-green to golden orange before deepening into fiery red, creating a truly breathtaking display.

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

The sugar maple tree bears an uncanny resemblance to the willow tree, boasting a stunning, dramatic profile. As a water-loving species, you’ll commonly find it thriving along ponds, creeks, and riverbanks, where its roots can freely stretch out in search of moisture. The iconic five-pointed leaf is a hallmark of this maple variety, typically displaying a silvery green hue throughout the growing season before transforming into a vibrant, fiery yellow during autumn’s peak.

Notably, it reaches impressive heights of up to 70 feet and tolerates a wide range of climates, thriving in zones 3 through 9. Nevertheless, its shallow, invasive root system and susceptibility to pests and diseases make it a less-than-ideal choice for many landscapers.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

The majestic maple tree is renowned for its role in producing the world’s beloved maple syrups. However, it’s not just its economic significance that makes it remarkable – its vibrant autumn hues of red, yellow, and orange are a treat for the eyes. Furthermore, this tree is notable for its impressive stature, reaching heights of up to 120ft with a spread of around 50ft. As a landscape feature, maple trees excel as shade providers or boundary markers, offering a natural screen or fence.

To thrive, they require full sun, well-drained soil conditions, and regular watering during dry spells.

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)

The ‘Sycamore Maple’ earns its name from the uncanny resemblance of its foliage to that of the sycamore tree, rather than the signature maple leaf shape. Like its hedge maple counterpart, this variety is well-suited for urban landscapes due to its ability to thrive in environments with pollution, poor soil quality, and drought conditions.

From an aesthetic standpoint, it’s a majestic specimen that can grow up to 40-100 feet tall, boasting a dense, rounded canopy and subtly lobed leaves that transition into a rich bronze hue during the fall season. While it’s often sought after as a shade tree for landscaping purposes, its popularity lies more in providing ample cover than standing alone as a visual focal point.

Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum)

The Tatarian maple is the parent species of the Amur maple, offering cultivators a range of options for shaping their trees. Pruning can be used to create a multi-stemmed shrub or train the tree to grow upright, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. As the tree matures, its leaves undergo a transformation, evolving from three-lobed at an early stage to becoming entirely lobeless as it ages.

In the spring, Tatarian maples produce clusters of small, white flowers that are devoid of fragrance, followed by the development of red fruits. The trees’ foliage is also notable for its vibrant fall coloration, which can range from fiery yellow to bright red. This species is relatively compact, growing no taller than 10-20 feet and thriving in USDA zones 3-8.

Three Flowered Maple (Acer triflorum)

The Acer pseudoplatanus, also known as the ornamental maple, boasts an striking appearance courtesy of its ash brown bark that flakes off in vertical strips, revealing a copper-brown wood beneath. The trifoliate leaves take on a silver-blue-green hue for most of the year before transitioning into a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow tones during autumn’s peak. As winter approaches, the leaves succumb to the seasonal shedding process.

This tree’s claim to fame lies in its unique springtime blooms, which emerge in clusters of three as delicate yellow-green flowers. With minimal upkeep required and an adaptability that spans 20-30 feet in height, this specimen tree is a popular choice for landscape design.

Vine Leaf Maple (Acer cissifolium)

The ivy leaf maple’s trifoliate leaves, featuring three distinct parts, give it its unique name. Unlike the maple tree’s characteristic leaf shape, this plant’s foliage is more reminiscent of ash trees or ivies. Its nickname ‘ivy leaf maple’ stems from this striking resemblance.

In terms of appearance, the ivy leaf maple bears a strong similarity to the Japanese maple. In fact, it’s often used in landscaping for its ornamental value.

This plant can grow up to 15-30 feet tall and boasts a stunning fall display featuring shades of yellow and red. Native to Japan, it thrives in partial shade.

What are the most common North American maple trees?

Given the presence of 13 species of maple trees native to North America, it is essential to identify which ones are still thriving throughout the region. Among these indigenous species, five stand out as being particularly well-represented: sugar maple, red maple, silver maple, bigleaf maple, and boxelder maple – all of which continue to play a vital role in their natural habitats.

Why is the maple leaf important to Canada?

While there isn’t a specific folk tale connecting the maple leaf to Canada, its significance as a national emblem dates back to the 1700s. A historical milestone in this regard is the use of maple tree sap by Canadian aborigines for medicinal purposes. Moreover, the entire maple tree served as a reliable food source for indigenous tribes in the past. Over time, the maple leaf has evolved into a powerful symbol denoting Canada’s identity.

For many years, ‘Maple Leaf Forever’ was even Canada’s national anthem, and the maple leaf is proudly featured on the official insignia of the Canadian military. Additionally, it appears prominently in many provincial coat of arms across Canada, solidifying its status as an integral part of the country’s heritage.

Conclusion

When contemplating the growth of a maple tree, it’s crucial to consider several key factors. One vital consideration is location, as these trees are known for their extensive root systems. In areas with ample space, this isn’t a concern. However, if you’re looking to plant multiple trees in close proximity, this could be an issue. Additionally, ensure that the soil drains well and has the correct pH level, as maple trees require proper moisture.

Despite these requirements, maple trees offer a visually stunning addition to any landscape. The vibrant fall foliage is just one aspect of their appeal – their sturdy, majestic build is equally impressive.

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