Sugar Maple Tree Seeds (Acer saccharum)
Sugar Maple Tree Seeds (Acer saccharum)
The tree that defines autumn. The source of something sweet.
Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maple, is the tree that paints entire landscapes in brilliant fall color and produces the sap behind one of North America’s most iconic foods. Known for its fiery orange, red, and gold foliage, its long lifespan, and its ecological importance, this is a true legacy tree. It builds canopy, cools the land beneath it, and provides value for centuries. If you are planting for the long term, few trees offer more.
- Produces some of the most spectacular fall color of any native tree
- Primary source of maple syrup
- Foundational species in northern hardwood forests
- Long-lived, often exceeding several centuries
- Valuable hardwood used for flooring, furniture, and instruments
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
Maple syrup predates modern agriculture.
Indigenous communities were harvesting Sugar Maple sap long before European settlement. The knowledge was passed on and became essential for early survival in northern climates.
The fall color is chemistry at work.
The vibrant reds and oranges come from anthocyanin pigments produced as the tree prepares for dormancy. Sugar Maple produces these pigments in higher concentrations than most trees.
It represents an entire nation.
The Sugar Maple leaf is featured on the Canadian flag, reflecting its deep cultural and economic importance across the country.
It cools the land around it.
Mature Sugar Maple canopies create shaded microclimates that can be significantly cooler than surrounding open areas during summer heat.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Acer saccharum
- Stratification: Required; 90–120 days cold moist stratification
- USDA Zones: 3–8
- Soil: Well-drained, rich, slightly acidic to neutral
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 60–80 feet
- Spread: 40–60 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (1–2 ft/year)
Plant it knowing it will outlive you. Some trees are not a purchase. They are a promise.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. They are stored under dry, cold conditions to preserve viability without initiating stratification, allowing you to time germination for your local growing season.
The exception is recalcitrant seeds. Because these seeds must remain moist to stay viable, they are kept in moist, cold storage and are therefore in a pre-stratified state. Depending on how long a particular batch has been stored, some may arrive with an emerging radicle and be ready to plant immediately. Radicle development is not guaranteed.
Please refer to the individual product page and included growing instructions for species-specific requirements.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes. Some species we offer, including Chestnut, Hazelnut, and Paw Paw, are recalcitrant and must remain moist to stay viable.
Please refrigerate these seeds immediately upon arrival unless they have already developed a radicle. Seeds with an emerging radicle should be planted promptly.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently ship within the United States only.
We previously shipped to Canada, but tariffs, duties, and import fees resulted in customers receiving significant and unpredictable additional charges upon delivery. Because we cannot reliably calculate or absorb these costs, we have suspended shipping to Canada.
At this time, we do not ship to Canada or other international destinations.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
• Hand-packed in resealable kraft paper seed bags
• Stratification and planting instructions included on every seed pack
• Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS within the United States and U.S. territories
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
If your order arrives damaged, contains incorrect items, or is missing items, please contact us within 7 days of delivery so we can resolve the issue.
