Acer floridanum

Southern Sugar Maple (Florida Sugar Maple)

Known as a southern sugar maple or Florida sugar maple, this versatile tree is extremely heat tolerant with leaves that do not scorch. Fall foliage ranges from yellow to orange to scarlet often with multiple colors all at once. Leafs out earlier than most sugar maples and develops fall color about two weeks later. 

Southern sugar maple flowers are visited by pollinators and seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. It is a good source of early spring nectar for bees.

Use this native maple as a shade or street tree and expect moderate to rapid growth. Can also be planted under pine trees and in natural settings. Tolerates heat, drought after it is established, full sun and heavy shade but prefers well-drained soil.

  • Heat tolerant
  • Growth rate rapid
  • Yellow to scarlet fall foliage

  • Category: Tree, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 7
  • Height: 20-25 ft
  • Spread: 20-30 ft
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Landscape Characteristics
Foliage Color
Classification by Use
Color Impact
Drought Tolerant
Native
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Songbirds
Habit
Upright
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Part Sun
Foliage
Deciduous
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Moisture
Average Water
Foliage Color
Green
Red
Yellow
Attributes
Fall Color
Fast Growing
Heat Tolerant
Native
Vigorous
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Acer floridanum

Acer floridanum is great as a shade or street tree. It has moderate to rapid growth. This native maple can also be planted under pine trees and in natural settings. Once established, it tolerates heat and drought and can thrive in a wide range of exposures from full sun to heavy shade. However, it does prefer well-drained soil.