Keywords Trees

Distribution and Habitat Of the 125 species found worldwide, over two-thirds grow in China; 10 are native to Canada. Maples grow in various soils and at varying altitudes but prefer deep, moist, fertile soils. They are a major constituent of eastern deciduous forests. Sugar, black, silver, red and striped maples (A. saccharum, A. nigrum, A. saccharinum, A. rubrum and A. pennsylvanicum respectively) are found in the East; mountain maple (A. spicatum) occurs eastwards from Manitoba; Manitoba maple (A. negundo) in Saskatchewan and Manitoba; bigleaf, Douglas and vine maples ( A. macrophyllum, A. glabrum and A. circinatum respectively) in BC.

Description The tree may be large, medium-sized or small, depending on the species. The leaves are opposite, usually simple and lobed, and have 3-9 veins. The paired, winged fruits are a food source for birds and small mammals; deer and moose eat young twigs and leaves.

Cultural Importance The great commercial value of the hard, durable maple wood is overshadowed by the worldwide fame of MAPLE SUGAR and syrup. The maple leaf has long been considered an appropriate emblem for Canada. Maple leaves were used in coats of arms granted in 1868 to Ontario and Québec and the Canadian coat of arms granted in 1921. The leaf was used on regimental badges in WWI and WWII and was confirmed as an official national symbol in 1965 with the proclamation of the national flag. The maple was finally recognized as Canada's arboreal emblem in 1996.

Maple Tree
Comfort Maple: the oldest maple tree in Canada, 400 years old, in the Niagara area (photo by Linda Bramble).

Sugar Maple
A sugar maple forest in the fall, Ontario (photo by Tim Fitzharris).

Author ESTELLE LACOURSIÈRE

Links to Other Sites
Symbols of Canada
An illustrated guide to past and present symbols of Canada, including the arms of Canada, the Canadian flag, national and provincial holidays, our national anthem, and more. From the Canadian Heritage website.

Ecozones of Canada
A website featuring a map of Canada's terrestrial and marine ecozones and detailed explanations of each type of ecozone. Developed by the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas.

Flora of North America
The FNA website features information on the names, taxonomic relationships, continent-wide distributions, and morphological characteristics of all plants native and naturalized found in North America north of Mexico.