Maple trees are a mutual deal in Pennsylvania ’s forests and grand , known for their vibrant fall foliage and sweet-scented sap used to make maple syrup . The state is home to both native and non - native species of maple trees , each with unique characteristic and uses .
Pennsylvania ’s aboriginal maple coinage let in the lettuce maple , red maple , and silverish maple . Sugar maple are highly appraise for their sap , which is collected in the spring and boiled down to create maple sirup . cerise maple are known for their brilliant crimson twilight leafage , while silver maple have fast ontogeny charge per unit and are often planted for theirshade . Non - native species of maple tree diagram , such as the Norway maple andJapanese maple , have also been introduced to Pennsylvania and can be find in parks and gardens throughout the res publica .
In addition to their aesthetic and culinary uses , maple tree diagram play an of import bionomic role in Pennsylvania ’s forests . They furnish home ground and food for wildlife , and their leaves and branches contribute to the nutrient cycle of the forest flooring . As such , maple trees are an important part of Pennsylvania ’s raw heritage and are appraise by residents and visitors likewise .
Species and Classification
Native Maple Species
Pennsylvania is home to several native specie of maple tree , include theAcer saccharum(sugar maple ) , Acer rubrum ( red maple ) , and Acer pensylvanicum ( striped maple ) . These tree diagram are well adapt to the local clime and grunge weather , and can be observe in a assortment of habitats throughout the state .
The sugar maple is perhaps the most iconic of Pennsylvania ’s native maple , known for its brilliant dip leafage and its sweet sap , which is used to make maple syrup . The red maple is also a common sight in the state , with its greenish - icteric flush and distinctivelobed leave-taking . The stripy maple , on the other hand , is a smaller tree that is often establish in the understory of forests , with its greenish - white-livered flowers and wing fruits .
Non-Native Maple Species
In addition to the aboriginal specie , several non - native maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree have been introduced to Pennsylvania over the age . The Acer platanoides ( Norway maple ) is one such species , and is often planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and margin for urban condition . However , it can also be invading and outcompete native species in some area .
Identifying Characteristics
Maple Tree are broadly speaking gentle to identify , with their distinctive lobate leaves , winged seeds(samaras ) , andsmooth or rugged bark . However , there are some key differences between the various species that can help with recognition .
For example , the lettuce maple has five - lob parting with deep notches between the lobes , while the crimson maple has three - lob leaves with more shallow pass . The silvery maple ( Acer saccharinum ) has deep lobed leave of absence that are more delicately toothed than those of the sugar maple .
In terms of bark , the Norway maple has a smooth grayish - brownish barque with shallow furrows , while the striped maple has a typical greenish - brown bark that is striped with white . Twigs can also be helpful for designation , with the Norway maple consume hardy sprig that are carmine - chocolate-brown in color , while the striped maple has slender sprig that are greenish - dark-brown .
Ecology and Cultivation
Growth and Habitat
Maple trees are deciduous trees that are native to North America . They are commonly found in Pennsylvania and are make love for their beautiful fall foliage . The height of a maple tree can vary greatly bet on the species , with some grow as improbable as 100 feet .
There are both aboriginal and non - aboriginal species ofmaple treesin Pennsylvania . Some non - native species have become invasive and can outcompete native species . Maple trees prefer partial subtlety to full sun and moist soil . They can also grow as an understory tree in forests .
Maple trees are often used in landscape gardening as a spook Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree due to their ellipse crest and beautiful fall color . They are also popularornamental Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . In accession , maple wood is highly prize for its use in article of furniture and floor .
Maple Tree Uses
Maple trees are an important species in Pennsylvania and are often referred to as the keystone state tree . They are also an authoritative food source for cervid and other wildlife , as they are fast - growing and bring home the bacon browsing .
There are several species of maple trees in Pennsylvania , include the mountain maple and boxful older maple . The slew maple has a short automobile trunk and is often launch in the mid - Atlantic region . The box seat elder maple is drought - tolerant and favour well - run out dirt .
Overall , maple trees are a valuable species in Pennsylvania and are appreciated for their beaut and utility .
