Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is a hardy native tree that is famous for making maple syrup from its sap which is tapped in late winter/early spring. It is a beautiful tree with its gorgeous fall color and deep green leaves of summer. Very long lived, normally from 200 to 400 years old. Makes a great ornamental and shade tree and is fairly fast growing. The hardwood lumber is highly valued and is made into basketball courts, hardwood floors and many other traditional uses. Hardy zones 3-8.