All maples are oppositely-branched , a characteristic in U.P. trees shared only with ashes. Bark Sugar maple is the most common tree in the U.P., probably the most favorable growing area in the United States. It's palmate , 5-pointed LEAF with smooth margins is featured on the Canadian flag. Sugar maple is the only native maple to seed in late summer and fall. The BARK varies quite a bit as the tree ages.
Young trees have smooth, medium-gray bark.
Older trees form platy bark that grows into rough, deeply fissured bark as the tree reaches larger size. Some trees will show a sooty black residue that is a harmless fungus on the bark surface. It is the flagship species of our northern hardwood forest type . It's ability to reproduce under fairly heavy shade causes sugar maple to dominate northern hardwood stands to the point where it can form monocultures. Terminal BUDS are reddish and round.