Plant profile

Maples

Genus Acer

Maples are familiar shade trees that offer early-season flowers and later seeds, supporting a range of pollinators and adding strong structure to yards, school grounds, and streetscapes.

Plant Type

Trees > Maples

Aliases

Maple

Native Range

Varies by species; the genus Acer occurs across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and some species are native to parts of Canada.

Bloom window

Often early in the growing season (varies by species)

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Maples (genus Acer) are a strong “backbone” plant: they shape a space for decades, and many species offer early flowers that can help pollinators when the season is just getting started.

If you’re planting a maple, the biggest success factor is matching the tree to the site. Some maples stay smaller, while others become large canopy trees. Give the tree room, keep the trunk base visible (don’t bury it), and reduce competition from lawn by using a wide mulch ring.

To make a maple more pollinator-friendly, think beyond the tree itself. Add a mix of flowering plants nearby—especially ones that bloom after the maple finishes—so pollinators can keep finding food through summer and into fall. And skip pesticides, particularly during bloom, when pollinators may be visiting.

Best role for pollinators

Shade, street trees, schoolyards, and adding early-season pollinator support

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Maple
Bloom window	Often early in the growing season (varies by species)
Typical height	Varies widely by species; many become medium to large trees
Pollinators supported	Bees, Flies
Light & moisture	Varies by species; many do well in sun to part shade with evenly moist soil
Best roles for pollinators	Shade, street trees, schoolyards, and adding early-season pollinator support

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Maples add long-term structure and can provide early flowers that help pollinators get started for the season.

What they need

A site with enough space for the mature canopy and roots, plus steady care while the tree establishes.

One best action

Give the tree room and create a mulch ring (not grass) around the base to reduce competition and protect roots.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Maples can contribute early-season flowers and long-term habitat structure. They work best as part of a bigger plan: avoid pesticides and add a mix of flowering plants beneath and nearby so pollinators have food beyond the tree’s bloom window.

Maple flowers are often easy to miss because they can be small, but they may appear in large numbers across the canopy.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Early blooms can be a timely food source when fewer plants are flowering.
A mature tree creates shade and shelter that can make a yard or school ground more comfortable and diverse.
Maples pair well with pollinator-friendly understory plantings that extend bloom through the season.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Maples share a few classic traits, but details vary by species.

Leaves

Often palm-shaped with lobes; leaf size and lobe shape vary by species. Many maples have opposite leaf arrangement.

Flowers

Small flowers in clusters; color and showiness vary. Often appear early in the season.

Fruits

Paired winged seeds (samaras) that spin as they fall.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Woodlands and forest edges
Parks and urban landscapes
Yards and school grounds

Where it is often used

Shade tree for yards and school grounds
Street or boulevard tree (where appropriate)
Backbone plant for a pollinator garden when combined with flowering plants below
Seasonal interest (spring flowers, summer shade, fall color)

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Bloom timing depends on the maple species and local conditions, but many maples flower early.

Bloom Season Role: Early-season food source (varies by species)

Seasonal benefits

Helps bridge the gap before many garden flowers open
Encourages pollinator activity in and around the site

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Choose a species suited to your site; many maples handle sun to part shade.

Soil type

Most prefer well-drained soil; avoid spots that stay soggy for long periods unless the chosen species tolerates it.

Moisture needs

Water regularly during the first seasons after planting; once established, water during long dry spells.

Planting method

Plant at the same depth as in the pot; keep the root flare visible and avoid burying the trunk.

Mulching tips

Use a wide mulch ring to reduce lawn competition; keep mulch pulled back from the trunk.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Pick a location with enough room for the tree’s mature height and spread, away from buildings and overhead lines.
Dig a hole wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball’s height.
Set the tree so the base of the trunk is not buried; backfill with the original soil and water in well.
Create a wide mulch ring and keep mulch off the trunk.
Water consistently while the tree establishes, especially during dry stretches.

Seasonal care

Water young trees during dry periods until established.
Refresh mulch as it breaks down, keeping it away from the trunk.
Prune only as needed for structure or safety; avoid heavy pruning during active growth.
Protect the trunk from mower and string-trimmer damage by keeping a mulch ring.
Avoid pesticide use on or near the tree, especially when it is flowering.

What not to do

Planting a maple without considering its mature size.
Burying the trunk under soil or mulch.
Keeping lawn grass right up to the trunk.
Using pesticides during bloom.

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

Early-blooming native wildflowers suited to your area
Spring bulbs (where appropriate)

Mid-Season Bloom

Bee-friendly perennials that bloom through summer
Flowering shrubs that fit the site

Late-Season Bloom

Late-blooming perennials to extend food into fall
Seed- and berry-producing plants for seasonal interest

Because “maple” can mean many different species, choose a maple that fits your space and local conditions, and prioritize non-invasive options recommended for your area.

GLOSSARY

Key Terms

A few quick terms you might see when choosing and planting trees:

Glossary terms are being added.

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.

Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.

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Pollinators supported

Species that benefit from this plant

Regions

Where this plant is native

Sierras of Jalisco and Michoacán with Conifer, Oak, and Mixed Forests

This region is a set of temperate mountain landscapes where conifer, oak, and mixed forests create layered habitat—from sunny edges and clearings to shaded understories.

Explore region profile