#TYPES OF SUGAR MAPLE TREE SKIN#
#TYPES OF SUGAR MAPLE TREE PLUS#
#TYPES OF SUGAR MAPLE TREE FREE#

The winged fruits often whirl down from the canopy like little helicopter wings. The two seeds are initially fused but break apart when mature.

The fruits of maples are the well-known maple keys (samaras) consisting of a basal seed with an elongated, flat, rather papery wing. Some maple species may be either monoecious or dioecious. Some maple species are monoecious (have separate male and female flowers on the same tree), while others are dioecious (have separate male-flowering trees and female-flowering trees).

#TYPES OF SUGAR MAPLE TREE FREE#

They are radially symmetrical, usually with 4 or 5 sepals, which may be fused and are often colored 4 or 5 free petals (or no petals) 3–8 strongly protruding stamens and 1 pistil attached to 2 fused structures that will become the distinctive, paired maple “keys” (samaras). The leaf blades are usually simple and palmately lobed (often shaped something like a star or an outstretched hand), although one of our maple species (box elder) is pinnately compound, with 3 or 5 separate leaflets. The leaves of maples are opposite and have definite leaf stems (petioles). Maples have distinctive leaves, flowers, and winged fruits (samaras). What distinguishes maples, as a group, from other woody plants? Depending on the species, maples may be shrubs or trees Missouri’s native species are usually trees. They also provide stunning fall color, commercially important lumber, sap for syrup, and welcome shade on a hot summer day. Maples are important members of native ecosystems.

#TYPES OF SUGAR MAPLE TREE PLUS#

Its wood is stronger, stiffer, harder, and denser than all of the other species of maple commercially available in lumber form. For more information, please see the article on the Differences Between Hard Maple and Soft Maple.Missouri has five species of maples that are either native or naturalized, plus several that are known only in cultivation. (It’s also the state tree in four different states in the US.)Īlso called rock maple, its wood may be fairly considered as the king of the Acer genus. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Ĭommon Uses: Flooring (from basketball courts and dance-floors to bowling alleys and residential), veneer, paper (pulpwood), musical instruments, cutting boards, butcher blocks, workbenches, baseball bats, and other turned objects and specialty wood items.Ĭomments: In tree form, hard maple is usually referred to as sugar maple, and is the tree most often tapped for maple syrup. Also, figured pieces such as birdseye, curl, or quilt are likely to be much more expensive. Pricing/Availability: Should be moderately priced, though slightly more expensive than soft maple. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

#TYPES OF SUGAR MAPLE TREE SKIN#

Turns, glues, and finishes well, though blotches can occur when staining, and a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even color.Īllergies/Toxicity: Hard maple, along with other maples in the Acer genus have been reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose, and asthma-like respiratory effects. Maple has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Workability: Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though slightly more difficult than soft maple due to hard maple’s higher density. Rot Resistance:Rated as non-durable to perishable, and susceptible to insect attack. Grain/Texture:Grain is generally straight, but may be wavy. Hard maple can also be seen with curly or quilted grain patterns.

Birdseye maple is a figure found most commonly in hard maple, though it’s also found less frequently in other species.

The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown. Sapwood color ranges from nearly white, to an off-white cream color, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue. Color/Appearance: Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of hard maple lumber is most commonly used rather than its heartwood.

Types of sugar maple tree