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Description

Description

• Height and Spread: Legacy® Sugar Maple typically matures to 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet, forming a dense, symmetrical, oval-rounded crown. It is slightly smaller and more compact than the species, making it suitable for a wider range of landscape uses.
• Leaves: Large, deeply lobed leaves are thick and glossy, holding a rich dark green color throughout summer. In autumn, foliage transforms into a brilliant mix of orange, gold, and red tones, offering a spectacular seasonal display.
• Flowers: Small, yellow-green flowers appear in clusters in early spring before or with the leaves. Though not showy, they provide early nectar for pollinators.
• Fruit: Produces pairs of winged samaras (maple “helicopters”), typically ripening in late summer to early fall.
• Growth Habit: Strongly upright when young, maturing into a dense, oval-rounded form with excellent branch structure and uniformity.

Habitat and Cultivation

• Native Range and Adaptability: As a cultivar of the native Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Legacy® thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8. It is well-suited to colder climates and valued for its adaptability in urban and residential settings.
• Soil and Sunlight: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils but tolerates clay better than many other sugar maples. Performs best in full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Requires consistent watering during establishment. Once mature, it has moderate drought tolerance but benefits from supplemental irrigation during extended dry periods.

Care and Maintenance

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, typically limited to structural shaping when young and the removal of dead or damaged branches. Best pruned in mid-summer or while dormant in late winter to avoid excessive sap flow.
• General Care: Known for its strong branching and resilience compared to other maples, Legacy® is less prone to storm damage and leaf scorch, enhancing its reliability in varied landscapes.

Landscaping Use

• With its dense crown, glossy foliage, and brilliant fall color, the Legacy® Sugar Maple is an outstanding choice for a shade or specimen tree.
• It performs beautifully in parks, large residential lawns, and street plantings where space allows for its broad canopy. For gardeners and designers seeking the classic beauty of a Sugar Maple with improved adaptability and durability, Legacy® is a premier selection.