In contrast, those found in shaded forest conditions normally develop clear, straight boles and narrow crowns. They are usually five-lobed although certain trees may possess leaves with three, four, or five lobes. Leaves are dark green on the top surface and paler underneath. They are generally smooth on both sides, although the veins underneath may be slightly hairy. Leaves typically measure from 3 to 5 inches long.
Buds are narrow, sharply pointed, and brown.
On mature trees, the bark typically appears to have long plates that peel along the side edge. The bark on mature red maple trees typically has more narrow plates that peel from the top or bottom edge. Distribution and Habitat Sugar maple is one of 148 maple species found in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes about 90 native and introduced species in the United States. Sugar maple is most common in New England and the Great Lakes states as well as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Elevational limits vary throughout sugar maple's extensive range.