Tree Indiana Native Acer saccharum [Sugar Maple] Widely adapted to climate, but best in at least reasonably fertile soil. One of the best shade tree species over a wide area, but for best results select plants known for adaptability to the local region. Quite shade tolerant. Low maintenance in a good site. 50 gal. sap or more needed to make 1 gal. syrup. Not so drought-tolerant as silver maple, but reasonably so. Does poorly in compacted soils, and doesn't like salt spray.…
Tree Acer saccharum 'Barrett Cole' [sold as Apollo®] [Apollo Sugar Maple] This cultivar has a unique narrow to columnar shape with dense branching and a generally small size. Has been noted for its resistance to the Japanese beetle. Tolerant of soils although does best in deeper soils. Great coloration during fall months, full sun encourages a deep red fall color.
Tree Acer saccharum 'Commemoration' [sold as Commemoration®] [Commemoration Sugar Maple] This fast-growing cultivar is known for its oval shape and brilliant fall color. The Commemoration Sugar Maple tends to show its fall color in early November; nearly two weeks earlier than the straight species. Resistant to leaf tatter.
Tree Acer saccharum 'Endowment' [Endowment Sugar Maple] The Endowment Sugar Maple is known for its tight columnar shape. It is best to place this tree where its roots are not restricted. More drought tolerant than other Sugar Maples. Used for as a screen and street tree.
Tree Acer saccharum 'Fairview' [Fairview Sugar Maple] The Fairview Sugar Maple is a great choice as a shade tree and is noted for its classic Sugar Maple shape and emerald-green leaves. Does not tolerate pollution or urban conditions well.
Tree Acer saccharum 'Legacy' [Legacy Sugar Maple] The Legacy Sugar Maple is one of the most used Sugar Maple cultivars. It is known for its attractive oval form and excellent scarlet-orange fall color. Legacy is tolerant to dense shade, leaf tatter, and mild drought and is a relatively long-lived tree.
Tree Indiana Native Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum [Black Maple] The Black Maple is a close relative of the Sugar Maple. Typically, Black Maples tolerate and grow in wetter soils than the Sugar Maple, but they are equally shade tolerant. Black Maples do not tolerate salts and are therefore poor street trees. This species prefers deep, uncompacted soils.
Tree Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala 'Flame' [Flame Amur Maple] Extremely hardy small tree with interesting foliage (elongated center lobe) and colorful fruits. Widely adapted and trouble-free. Prefers sun but tolerates some shade. Good for growth in large planters. Among first trees to leaf out. Withstands heavy pruning. Can be damaged by ice stroms. Verticillium susceptible, but rare.
Tree Acer triflorum [Three-Flower Maple] Acer triflorum tends to be an understory tree in its natural habitat. Its beautiful exfoliating bark reveals a rusty brown coloration, providing attractive winter interest. Its shallow root system cannot handle drought well, unless properly mulched. This maple can handle full shade but is best in part shade to full sun.
Tree Acer × freemanii 'Armstrong' [Armstrong Red Maple] The Armstrong Red Maple is a cross between Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinum and is known for its columnar habit and brilliant red to red-orange fall coloration. This species has the durability of the Silver Maple and can tolerate urban conditions. The root system is less aggressive, though, so it can be planted as a street tree.
