Extension Forestry
The Maples
The Maples are among our most important timber trees. Five species are found
growing native in Iowa: boxelder, mountain maple, black maple,
sugar maple, and silver maple. The silver
maple is the most common, and was used widely by the early settlers for planting
in groves about their farmsteads. Red maple is widely planted as an ornamental and may be native in Allamakee County.
The sugar and black maples are much alike, and many do not distinguish
between the two. Both are slow growing and are widely planted for shade
and ornamental purposes. The sugar maple is the best species for the production
of maple syrup and sugar.
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Contact: Paul Wray
Last Update: January, 2001