Acer saccharum 'Sweet Shadow'

Sweet Shadow Sugar Maple

cer saccharum ‘Sweet Shadow’ is an improved sugar maple cultivar selected for its dense canopy, strong branching, and reliable landscape performance. It offers classic sugar maple character with a refined, uniform form well suited to residential and institutional plantings.

Key Characteristics and Benefits


Fall Color & Foliage: Thick, dark green summer foliage transitions to yellow, orange, and orange-red fall color, often consistent year to year.



Growth Habit: Upright to broadly oval canopy with good symmetry and sturdy branch angles.



Shade Quality: Dense crown provides excellent shade.



Size: Typically reaches 50–65 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, fertile, slightly acidic soils with consistent moisture



Maintenance: Low once established



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



Summary:
‘Sweet Shadow’ Sugar Maple is a dependable, long-lived shade tree ideal for lawns, parks, campuses, and large residential landscapes, delivering classic form, quality shade, and attractive fall color.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

45-50'

Width

35-45'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Salmon, Vanilla

Soil

Acidic, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Vase Shaped

Bark

Fissured

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No