They intergrade so freely that individuals, often cannot be distinguished even with the leaves. Hard maples are very tolerant, slow growing, long lived with a wide-spreading lateral root system. They occur naturally on a wide variety of sites, but prefer well drained, cool moist locations such as sheltered slopes facing to the north and east. Their common associates include basswood and red oak. Because of their tolerance to shade, they are often a primary understory component of Iowa's upland woodlands.
Hard maples are a major contributor to Iowa's outstanding fall color.
Colors vary from deep shades of orange, red and golden yellow. Hard maples also have great utility for urban and community planting. Because of its slower growth rates, soft and Norway maples are planted more often, but they are less desirable than the hard maples as a long lasting, desirable shade or street tree. The wood of hard maple is hard, heavy and shock resistant, used for a variety of products including fine furniture, flooring, veneer, musical instruments, bowling pins, billiard cues, handles, bobbins, pallets and crates. In addition, hard maple is the preferred species for maple syrup production.