However, it doesn’t do very well in compacted or salty soil, making it a better choice for large yards or parks rather than along streets or in areas with lots of foot traffic. This tree does best in soil that’s not too wet and not too dry, and it is one of the maples that is quite tolerant of shade. It’s common across the eastern and northeastern American continent, and this is the species that lends its leaf’s shape to the Canadian flag the defining feature of the sugar maple leaf is its pointed, five-lobed shape. The famous sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is an important economic and ecological fixture, being the premier syrup-producing maple tree. Non-native but similarly common varieties of maples include the Norway and Japanese maples, each getting attention for their own particular ornamental or functional contributions to a location’s canopy. Perhaps the most well-known American maple is the sugar maple, although red and silver maples are equally popular choices for planting. All maples also have their distinctive pointy-lobed leaf, although the forms and color will vary from species to species.

The spring flowers of maple trees are also important resources for local pollinators of all kinds. Almost all types of maple trees are great habitats for wildlife as well, providing dense foliage, high refuge, and nutritious forage for squirrels, birds, and other small to medium-sized mammals.

There are 13 species of maple that are native to North America and about ten times that number across the world, at nearly 130 types of maple trees found in America, Europe, and Asia.ĭespite the unique aspects of each maple species, every maple tree has samara seeds (more commonly known as helicopters or propeller seeds), with flowers that bloom in spring and leaves that drop throughout fall. While all maple trees have certain similarities, which is why they are all grouped into the genus Acer, there are many species of maple trees that can be found in the Northern Hemisphere. How Many Species of Maple Trees Are There in the United States?

Types of maple trees leaves