The sugar maple leaf on the Canadian flag is evidence of this species' importance in Canada. Description Under optimal growing conditions, sugar maple can attain heights in excess of 100 feet. Trees grown in the open have trunks that branch near the ground, forming crowns that spread 60 to 80 feet. 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.