TREE OF THE MONTH
By Len Phillips , ASLA Emeritus
Trade Name: 'John Pair' Sugar Maple Botanical Name: Acer saccharum 'John Pair'
Common Name: Sugar Maple Parentage: Sugar Maple selection by Dr. John Pair from a 'Caddo' Maple in Oklahoma Family: Aceraceae Year of Introduction: 2003 Height: 30 feet Spread: 30 feet Form: Rounded shape Bloom Period: Early spring before leaves Flower: Greenish-yellow, 1/4-inch long Fruit: 1-1/2-inch-long samara Summer Foliage: Glossy green Autumn Foliage: Red in autumn Winter Color: Bark provides winter interest Bark: Brownish-gray color Habitat: East Coast and U.S. Southeast to Texas Culture: Prefers well-drained moist soil, tolerate most soils and heat, and prefers slightly acidic conditions Hardiness Zone*: 5 to 8 Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, average 6 inches new growth per year Pest Resistance: Leaves eaten by some insects
Storm Resistance: Good Salt Resistance: Good Planting: B&B in early spring is best Pruning: Do not prune in early spring Propagating: Budding on species seedling under-stock Design Uses: Excellent in large spaces such as lawns, parks and golf courses Companions: Mulch is the best ground cover under maples Other Comments: Tolerates the heat in the Southeast Available from: Difficult to find in retail nurseries, look in the largest wholesale nurseries
* For information about the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, visit www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html
Photos provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. www.arborage.com
These are the personal observations of the author, living in New England — Zone 5b. Len Phillips can be reached via email at lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com.
Arbor Age / April 2011 17
