Saturday, January 2, 2016

Seedy Saturdays- The Sugar Maple Tree


Happy Saturday Everyone!  Just a few months ago we were watching these amazing trees brighten up our Autumn.

Also known as the rock maple, this species of maple tree is native from Nova Scotia west through Quebec, southern Ontario to southeastern Manitoba.  It normally reaches 25-35 m tall and when healthy, can live for over 400 years.  The sugar maple is one of the most shade- tolerant out of the large deciduous trees, giving it the ability to grow under a closed canopy and grow comfortably in any type of soil but sand.  Though these trees can grow to be giants and persevere through less-than-ideal growing conditions, they are one of the most susceptible to pollution when compared to other maples.  Acid rain, soil acidification and increased use of salt on streets and roads have contributed to maple decline.


Along with the black maple, the sugar maple is a major source of sap for making maple syrup.  Its wood is also one of the hardest and densest of the maples, so it is sought after for furniture and flooring, as well as to make pool cues, baseball bats, and a variety of musical instruments.  In the 19th century, the sugar maple was used as a street and park tree, because it was easy to transplant and due to its beautiful colours in the fall.  

Enjoy your week!

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