Acer Saccharum 'John Pair'

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum ‘John Pair’ is a heat-tolerant sugar maple cultivar selected for its strong structure, durable foliage, and reliable performance in warmer climates where traditional sugar maples often struggle. It maintains classic sugar maple character with improved adaptability to summer heat.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Fall Color & Foliage: Medium to dark green summer foliage that turns bright yellow, orange, and red-orange in fall, often with good consistency.



Heat Tolerance: Selected for superior performance in hot, exposed sites compared to typical sugar maples.



Growth Habit: Upright to oval-rounded canopy with strong branching and good symmetry.



Size: Typically reaches 45–60 ft tall with a 35–45 ft spread.



Care and Requirements


Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8



Light: Full sun to partial shade



Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils with consistent moisture



Maintenance: Low once established



Limitations: Avoid compacted soils, poor drainage, and heavy road salt exposure



Summary:
‘John Pair’ Sugar Maple is an excellent choice for lawns, parks, campuses, and southern or heat-prone landscapes, offering classic sugar maple form with improved heat tolerance and dependable fall color.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

45-60'

Width

35-45'

Hardiness zones

2–5

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange Red

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant

Shape

Oval/Rounded

Drought tolerant

Yes