Beautiful Species of Maple Trees

A lot of people choose to plant maples since they can be used for shade, street as well as specimen trees. They are famous for their autumnal hues Many species show an array of oranges, yellows, browns, and reds each year. Certain trees could display leaves that sport many of these shades at the same time. Another characteristic for the tree of maple is its ability to endure dry conditions.

Maple trees comprise a significant amount of species within the Genus Acer belonging to the plant family Aceraceae. The majority of the maples are a deciduous, woody with a variety of species, from multi-stemmed shrubs to tall upright trees that have massive trunks.

Here are 15 great maple tree species that will look great in your garden.

Is This Tree Right for You?

The majority of maples are rooted in shallow soils which can cause a push-up on pavements and sidewalks when planted too close. Some varieties also grow large exposed roots, which make it difficult to cut lawns. They prefer to be planted in a forest setting or in areas where the ground surrounding them can be covered in mulch or a live ground that is not grass. The majority of maples are also water-seekers and their roots can be able to infiltrate sewer lines, if planted over them.
Always verify the behavior for the type of maple that you are contemplating planting before you do so.

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

Amur maple is a species of tree. Amur maple is among the smaller trees within the Acer genus. It can be seen as a multi-stem spreading shrub or a smaller tree that has a the characteristically rounded, dense crown. Acer Ginnala is often classified as an a species of Tatarian maple, and is characterized by the designation Acer Tatariarum subsp. ginnala. It’s also known by its popular term Siberian maple. The color of fall leaves is bright red with yellows too. The ‘Embers’ and the ‘Flame varieties are particularly vibrant autumn colors, both in leaves and fruits. Once established The Amur maple will show some drought-resistant qualities.

Native Area: Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Siberia
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Height 30 feet
Sun Exposure Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)

The name says it all the leaves are huge on the tree. It has the largest leaf of all maples. the typical five-lobed, palm-shaped leaves can reach 12 inches in width. Other names that are commonly used for the tree are broadleaf maple as well as Oregon maple. The Big Leaf Maple is large strong, robust tree with a thick body and the bark that is furrowed, either gray or reddish-brown. The spring foliage is burgundy changing to green in summer and later turning yellow or yellow-orange the fall. This tree is a large one and makes an ideal shade tree for huge landscapes and parks.

Indigenous Areas: Western North America, starting from Alaska down to the southern part of California.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 7
From Between 20-100 feet
Exposition to Sun: From full sun until full shade.

Hedge The Maple (Acer campestre)

It is an ideal choice for urban gardens since it is able to thrive in all kinds of challenging environments such as drought, acidic, salty, or alkaline soils; shady areas as well as areas with Ozone deficiency. It could also be employed to be a street tree, if you have power lines that are tall enough. Also called the common or field maple this is an incredibly small to medium-sized tree that could be used as a shade plant in small areas or be trimmed to function as an ornamental hedge in larger areas. Medium-green foliage changes to yellow hues in the fall.

The Native Region: Europe and southwestern Asia

USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8

Height of 25 to 35 feet

Sun Exposure Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium)

Many species of plants within a genus share similar looks, however there are exceptions such as for hornbeam maple. The leaves of this species are not what you’d expect from maple. In fact, as the names in both scientific and common usage indicate, the leaves more closely resembles the Hornbeam trees (Carpinus spp. ). Instead of the palmate lobes that are found on the maple classic the species of this one is elongated, lobeless leaves that have sharp tips and a corrugated texture. The leaves change color from green to gold or yellow in the autumn. This is a difficult plant to locate available, however, it could make a great small or a large plant for the garden.

Native Area: Japan
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7
Height: 15-30 feet
Sun Exposure Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Japanese maple Japanese maple is an essential plant in a variety of Japanese gardens as well as Bonsai’s world. The leaves are red or green, and come in a variety of textures and shapes. There are hundreds of cultivars. The leaves usually are larger than other maples and have a smoother texture. The colors of the fall vary greatly based on the cultivar. Yellows bronze shades, and red-purples are all readily available. A Japanese maple can become an important focal point in kinds gardens. Smaller varieties are usually used for ornamental purposes and larger cultivars are cultivated as specimen trees. The plant is tolerant of both cold and heat. even in zones 5 extreme cold during winter could cause severe dieback. And in the southern portion in the region, it will benefit from shade to avoid leaf scorch.2
Acer Palmatum, North Carolina State University

Native Area: China, Korea, Japan
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Height: Vary, usually between 15 and 25 feet.
Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade, could last through complete shade

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

Also known in the form of Norway maple, or European maple. This renowned species was introduced into North America from Europe in the 18th century. It has since grown to become among the top popular species. The medium-sized shade tree features an attractive, dense crown which is symmetrically round but it’s one with a low root system. If the conditions are right the species could become invading, so prior to planting it, check to confirm that it’s not a problem for the area you live in.
Crimson King is one of the most well-known varieties; it is a stunning maroon leaves all through the growing season. However, the autumn color isn’t striking and turns grayish. Some varieties also have yellow hues in the fall.
Region of Origin: Europe and western Asia
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
The average height is 40-50 feet, occasionally as high as 90 feet
Sun Exposure Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

The Paperbark maple (Acer griseum)

The paperbark maple is usually used in landscapes due to its cinnamon-colored or reddish-brown bark that separates from the trunk at the time that it is still young. It is a small, round tree with small upright branches. The leaves have three lobes and appear medium green on their top and lower surfaces that are gray-green. The leaves change to dramatic shades of red or orange during the fall. The paperbark maple makes an ideal plant for small spaces particularly when it is planted close to an outdoor patio or deck that it can be enjoyed. The intriguing bark offers plenty of winter excitement.
Native Area: Central China
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
Height: 15-30 feet wide and tall
Sun Exposure Part sun to full shade

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

The red maple is a true red maple during the course of the year. The buds of the red spring transform into red seed structures (samaras) suspended from twigs that are reddish. Reds are returned to the tree in the autumn color change. The medium-sized maple is a popular landscaping tree across North America, a classic shade tree that has an oval or rounded crown. Three-lobed (or occasionally five-lobed) green leaves generally change color in autumn however the specific hues aren’t always predictable. The color of fall also varies depending on the variety, and can range from red to greenish-yellow, and even red to. In the region, this tree has several common names: soft maple, scarlet maple Drummond red maple Carolina red maple, swamp maple the trident red maple, as well as water maple.

Native Area: Eastern U.S. and Canada
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9
From between 30 and 100 feet
Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

The undersides of this leaves are silver and sparkle beautifully when the wind blows. Silver maple is one of the trees that you are most likely to encounter throughout all of the U.S., since it naturally grows extremely quickly. If a yard is neglected the seedlings can quickly sprout out and take over a landscape. As with many other species, this tree has various common regional names, including the soft maple white maple, river maple as well as water maple. In the fall, this tree changes to attractive shades of orange, yellow or red. This is a different tree with shallow roots that is best kept from areas that have pipes or pavement.
Native Area: Eastern U.S. and Canada
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Intensity: 50 to 100 feet
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

This is the primary option for those looking making maple syrup because the sap has more sugars from plants than any other species of maple. While it could be great large shade trees under the right conditions however, it is not a species that is extremely adaptable to urban conditions. It doesn’t respond well to soils that have been compacted and road salts or pollution. It can, however, tolerate shade better than many large deciduous trees. It is huge tree that has a thickly rounded crown. The leaves are medium green with a lobe of three or five The leaves turn orange-yellow in the fall. Locally, this species might be called the hard maple or rock maple.
The Native Region: Northeastern and southern U.S. and northeastern Canada
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Intensity: 50-80 feet
sun exposure: full Sun to full shade

Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)

The common name and species for this tree stem because its leaves are reminiscent of those of the Sycamore (Platanus). This tree can withstand urban conditions, such as polluted water and salt. In some regions this tree is referred to for its planetree-like maple. Sycamore maple is among the most huge maples, with an elongated crown. The dark-green leaves are massive, having five lobes. There is no autumn color to speak of. The leaves remain green, or it may change to a yellowish-brown. This isn’t a well-known landscaping tree due to its lack of autumn color, however the sycamore can be an excellent shade tree and can tolerate humid conditions.
The Native Area: Europe and western Asia
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7
The height ranges from 40 to 60 feet; at times as much as 100 feet
Exposure Sunlight to light shade

Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum)

The species is closely similar to it’s cousin, the Amur maple. It is generally used as a small upright tree, but it can be cultivated as a tree when left unpruned. The leaves typically are three-lobed when it is young however the leaves of mature trees aren’t lobed. The spring flowers are greenish-white and change to red samaras. Likewise, the fall foliage can be red or yellow.
Native Area: Central/southeastern Europe and Asia
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Height between 15 and 20 feet
Sun Exposure Part sun to full shade

Vine Leaf Maple (Acer cissifolium)

It is a vine-leaf maple that has leaves that are three-part that is called trifoliate. The leaves do not resemble the traditional maple and more closely resembling leaves of ivies and ash trees (another commonly used term for the plant is ivy-leaved maple). In terms of shape and size, this tiny tree is like the Japanese maple, and can be utilized in a similar manner as for a specimen tree. The fall foliage can be varied in color, from ordinary green to a variety of red and yellow.
Native Area: Japan
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
The height range is 20-30 feet
Sun Exposure: Semi-shade

Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)

The Trident maple tree is a variation that is part of the red. It is native to Asia, the trident maples are smaller plants with rounded branches. The trident has smaller leaves that are dark green and have three lobes. The trident is quick expanding, and it can reach an average height of 25 to 35 feet at maturity.
Native Area: Asia
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Height between 25 and 35 feet
Sun Exposure: Full

Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum “Bloodgood”)

It is the Bloodgood maple is one of the varieties that belongs to the Japanese maple tree. Famous for their deep leaf color, Bloodgood maple blooms in springtime with their bright red foliage most vibrant in this season. They are the Bloodgood Japanese maple tree is ideal for people with smaller gardens. It is recommended to plant it during the fall. Be aware that the Bloodgood maple needs mulch to protect its roots from extreme winter and summer winter.
Native Area: Japan, Korea, China
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
Height Between 15 and 20 feet
Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade