Quick answer: Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is native to 34 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Superior National Forest, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-May |
| Height | 60-75 ft, up to 100 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds, special value to honey bees |
none noted (susceptible to salt/heat/drought stress, not toxicity; unanswered user question about alpaca toxicity)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Sugar maple
Where is Sugar maple native?
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is native to 34 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Sugar maple bloom?
Sugar maple blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Sugar maple need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soils. Mature height: 60-75 ft, up to 100 ft.
Is Sugar maple good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds, special value to honey bees.
Is Sugar maple deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Sugar maple is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Sugar maple toxic?
none noted (susceptible to salt/heat/drought stress, not toxicity; unanswered user question about alpaca toxicity).
Where can I buy real Sugar maple seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Acer saccharum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Sugar maple.
- American basswood Tilia americana
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- White oak Quercus alba
Also listed under
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