Maple trees are popular for their versatility as shade, street, and specimen trees. Known for their vibrant autumn colors, maples display shades of oranges, browns, yellows, and reds, with some trees boasting leaves in several of these colors at once. Another sought-after feature of maples is their ability to withstand drought.
The maple genus Acer, within the family Aceraceae, comprises a diverse array of species, ranging from deciduous shrubs to large upright trees with substantial trunks.
Most maples are shallow-rooted trees that can damage sidewalks and other paved surfaces if planted too close. Some varieties develop thick exposed roots, which can make mowing lawns difficult.
These trees seek moisture and their roots may infiltrate water pipes or sewer lines if planted above them. And so, it’s important to always check the behavior of the specific maple species before planting.
As a master gardener, I’ve always been intrigued by these incredible trees. Here are 16 incredible maple tree species to consider for your landscape:
1. Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)
Native Area: Asia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Height: 15 – 20 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Amur Maple, scientifically known as Acer ginnala, is a member of the genus Acer, a group of tree and shrub species commonly referred to as maple trees. Originating from Asia, this maple species has successfully adapted to the diverse climates of North America and Europe.
What makes the Amur maple special is its vibrant green leaves that transform into a spectacular display of fiery red foliage in the fall.
This fast-growing maple tree is not just known for its stunning visual appeal, but also for its adaptability. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade and is resilient enough to withstand drought conditions.
It’s a perfect shade tree for lawns and landscapes, providing a cool refuge during hot summer days. Its well-drained soil preference and tolerance to drought make it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
Plus, its unique bark, adorned with ridges and producing sap that can be made into maple syrup, adds a touch of charm and functionality to any garden.
For an added bonus, the tree produces samaras, winged seeds that add to its visual appeal. Apply a layer of mulch around its base to retain moisture and you will have a thriving, beautiful tree that will enhance your garden for years to come.
2. Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum)
Native Area: North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Height: 40-60 feet
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Red maple tree, scientifically known as Acer rubru, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America. It is revered for its stunning foliage, which transitions from green leaves in the summer to vibrant red maple leaves in the fall.
What makes this tree truly special is its ability to provide year-round interest. In the spring, it flaunts red flowers, followed by the emergence of green leaves which turn a fiery red in the fall. Even in the winter, its red buds provide a touch of color.
It can thrive in a wide range of soil types and conditions, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Moreover, its fast growth rate and high tolerance to pollution make it suitable for urban planting.
With its exceptional beauty and minimal care requirements, the Red Maple Tree is indeed a valuable addition to any garden.
3. Silver Maple Tree (Acer saccharinum)
Native Area: Eastern North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Height: 50 – 80 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Silver maple tree, scientifically known as Acer saccharinum, is a fast-growing deciduous tree that is native to eastern North America. It is a member of the Sapindaceae family and is renowned for its unique silver-white bark and delicate, five-lobed leaves.
Silver maple is special because of its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil conditions, from sandy to clay soils, and is tolerant of both drought and flooding. The tree’s leaves are green on top and silvery-white underneath, giving a shimmering effect when the wind blows.
Consider growing the Silver Maple Tree for its beauty and low maintenance. It’s a fast-growing tree that provides ample shade, making it ideal for large gardens or landscapes.
Plus, its vibrant yellow autumn foliage adds a splash of color to any garden, making it a standout feature during the fall season.
4. Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Native Area: North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
Height: 30 – 75 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Big leaf maple, scientifically known as Acer macrophyllum, is a magnificent, deciduous tree native to North America. It’s a staple in many landscapes due to its grandeur and ornamental appeal.
Big leaf maple is known for its large size and stunning golden yellow fall color. Its leaves can reach up to 12 inches wide and create a spectacular display.
It’s a hardy tree that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and is tolerant of both full sun and partial shade.
This maple tree is not only a statement piece in any garden but also provides ample shade and habitat for wildlife. It’s a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to make a big impact with a single tree.
5. Hedge Maple (Acer campestere)
Native Area: Europe and Western Asia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8
Height: 25 – 35 feet
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Hedge Maple, scientifically known as Acer campestere, is a versatile, robust, and low-maintenance tree that is an excellent choice for almost any garden.
This deciduous tree, native to Europe and Western Asia, is renowned for its adaptability and resilience, making it a favorite among novice and master gardeners alike.
Its dense, compact growth habit make it an ideal choice for hedges or privacy screens. Its leaves display a vibrant green color in the summer, turning a beautiful golden-yellow in the fall, providing a visual treat in any landscape.
Hedge maple tree thrives in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and is tolerant of both drought and air pollution. Its ability to grow in full sun to partial shade conditions also makes it a versatile choice for various garden designs.
Plus, it serves as a habitat and food source for wildlife, enriching your garden’s biodiversity.
6. Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium)
Native Area: Japan
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 7
Height: 20 – 30 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Hornbeam maple, scientifically known as Acer carpinifolium, is a unique species of maple tree native to the mountainous regions of Japan. Its distinct, hornbeam-like leaves set it apart from the typical maple, lending an air of novelty to any garden it graces.
Hornbeam maple is remarkably adaptable, thriving in a wide range of climates as indicated by its USDA hardiness zone rating.
Its leaves, resembling those of a hornbeam, unfurl in a pleasing green hue in the spring, transitioning to a stunning golden yellow in the autumn.
Hornbeam maple tree’s moderate height makes it an ideal specimen tree for small to medium-sized gardens. Moreover, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only well-drained soil and moderate sun exposure.
7. Japanese Maple Tree (Acer palmatum)
Native Area: Japan, Korea, China
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Height: 15-25 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) is a stunning deciduous tree that is renowned for its vibrant, ornamental foliage. Originating from East Asia, this tree is a popular choice among gardeners and landscape designers for its remarkable aesthetic appeal.
Japanese maple tree is known for its unique, palmately-lobed leaves that change color from bright green to hints of red in the spring.
As summer progresses, the leaves darken to a rich burgundy. By fall, the foliage turns a fiery red or a deep, purplish-red, creating a spectacular autumn display.
Plus, this tree is remarkably hardy, thriving in a range of soil types and climate conditions. It can withstand the cold winters of USDA Hardiness Zone 5 and the warmer climates of Zone 8.
Also, it can grow in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden. With its striking beauty and hardy nature, the Japanese maple tree is a worthwhile investment for any gardener.
8. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
Native Area: Europe
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Height: Up to 60 feet
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) is a versatile and resilient tree native to Europe. This magnificent specimen is renowned for its impressive height, reaching up to 60 feet, and its adaptability to a wide range of conditions, making it a popular choice in both urban and suburban landscapes.
Norway Maple has vibrant foliage, with deep green leaves in the summer and stunning yellow leaves in the fall, creating a magical display in any garden.
This maple tree has several distinctive features. It can tolerate pollution and can thrive in various soil types, from clay to sandy loam, making it a great choice for urban environments.
For gardeners, this tree not only adds aesthetic appeal but also offers practical benefits. It is a sturdy tree that requires minimal maintenance, suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Plus, its large size provides ample shade, making it a functional addition to any outdoor space.
9. Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
Native Area: China
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Height: 20-30 feet
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Paperbark maple, scientifically known as Acer griseum, is a captivating, deciduous tree that’s native to China. It is widely celebrated for its unique, cinnamon-colored, exfoliating bark and its brilliant, fiery red leaves in autumn.
The tree’s distinctive peeling bark reveals a cinnamon-brown underbark, giving it the common name ‘Paperbark’ and providing year-round visual interest.
Paperbark Maple is a versatile and low-maintenance tree that thrives in various climates. With its small size, resistance to pests and diseases, vibrant fall color, and unique bark texture, it’s a great choice for any garden or landscape.
10. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Native Area: Northeastern North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Height: 60 – 75 feet
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Sugar maple, scientifically known as Acer saccharum, is a deciduous tree native to the hardwood forests of northeastern North America.
It’s a symbol of strength and endurance, and is famously known for its vibrant fall color and the sweet sap it produces, which is used in making maple syrup.
The Sugar Maple is known for its stunning autumn colors, grand stature, and sweet sap. It provides habitat and food for wildlife and helps control erosion with its deep roots. Tolerant of various conditions, it is a resilient choice for gardeners.
11. Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Native Area: Europe and Western Asia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7
Height: 50-100 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Sycamore maple, scientifically known as Acer pseudoplatanus, is a majestic tree that originates from Europe and Western Asia. It is a hardy, robust tree that can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet, making it a striking addition to any landscape.
Sycamore Maple is special for its adaptability, thriving in various soil types and tolerating urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for city planting.
Consider growing the Sycamore Maple for its ample shade, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. Its large, lobed leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall, making it a great choice for any gardener.
12. Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum)
Native Area: Eastern Europe and Western Asia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 7
Height: 15 – 20 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Tatarian maple, scientifically known as Acer tataricum, is a beautiful, small deciduous tree that is native to the regions of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
Known for its adaptability and resilience, this tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7. It can grow to a height of 15 to 20 feet, making it a perfect choice for small gardens or landscapes where space is a constraint.
Tatarian maple is known for its stunning fall foliage. Its leaves turn a brilliant array of colors, from yellow to red, adding a burst of color to any garden. Additionally, its winged seeds, known as samaras, are a unique feature that adds to its appeal.
This maple tree is low-maintenance and thrives in various soil types and conditions. It is resistant to most pests and diseases, providing year-round interest with its attractive bark in winter, delicate green leaves in spring, and vibrant colors in fall. This tree would make a wonderful addition to any garden.
13. Vine Leaf Maple (Acer cissifolium)
Native Area: Japan and Korea
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8
Height: Up to 30 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Vine leaf maple is a stunning, deciduous tree that is native to Japan and Korea. It is a member of the Aceraceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and beautiful species. This tree is known for its unique vine-like leaves, hence its name, and its stunning autumn colors that range from yellow to red.
Vine leaf maple is particularly special due to its adaptability. It can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Plus, its resistance to many common tree diseases adds to its appeal.
Consider growing the Vine Leaf Maple for its aesthetic appeal and easy maintenance. It becomes a focal point, especially during autumn when its leaves change color. Plus, it provides ample shade in the summer, making it a practical addition to any garden.
14. Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)
Native Area: Eastern China, Korea, Japan
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Trident maple (Acer buergerianum) is a deciduous tree that is native to East Asia. This tree is known for its unique three-lobed leaves, which give it its name, and its beautifully exfoliating bark.
Trident maple is special because of its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, ranging from sandy to clay, and it can withstand both drought and flooding. Plus, its vibrant autumn foliage, which includes bright yellows to deep reds, makes it a stunning addition to any garden.
Consider growing a Trident Maple. It’s versatile, low maintenance, and can be used as a shade tree, street tree, or bonsai. Its aesthetic appeal and hardy nature make it a great addition to any garden.
15. Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)
Native Area: Japan, Korea, China
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Height: 15-20 feet
un Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Bloodgood Japanese maple is known for its vibrant, burgundy-red leaves that turn fiery crimson in the fall, creating a striking contrast with the tree’s smooth, gray bark.
Gardeners should consider growing this tree for its year-round interest and relatively low maintenance needs. It’s an excellent choice for creating a focal point in the landscape, and its tolerance of various soil conditions makes it a versatile addition to any garden.
Plus, its resistance to pests and diseases is another attribute that sets it apart, making it a sturdy and reliable choice for any green thumb or any garden.
16. Black Maple (Acer nigrum)
Native Area: North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Height: 60 – 80 feet
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Black maple, scientifically known as Acer nigrum, is a splendid specimen of the maple family, native to the North American region. This majestic tree is renowned for its stunning fall color, which can range from bright yellow to burnt orange.
Black maple is unique in its adaptability, thriving in varied soil types and conditions, and boasting a higher heat tolerance, making it suitable for diverse climates.
Any gardener should consider growing the Black Maple for its striking visual appeal and low-maintenance nature. This tree is a favorite among gardeners because of its beautiful, broad leaves and the shade they provide.
Plus, it serves as a wonderful habitat for wildlife, attracting a variety of birds and squirrels with its seeds.
Other Guides from Planet Natural:
60 Popular Types of Small Trees for Your Landscape
39 Best White Flowering Trees for Your Garden and Landscaping
Melissa Pino is a biologist, master gardener, and regular contributor for Planet Natural. Melissa’s work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices, helping people create healthy gardens and finding ways to achieve overall health and wellness.
