Legacy Sugar Maple

Legacy Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Legacy')

Legacy Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Legacy') is a superior cultivar of the native sugar maple, bred for improved leaf quality, strong branching, and brilliant fall color. Selected by Ohio State University, this variety is known for its glossy, dark green foliage and its resistance to leaf tatter, scorch, and drought stress. With a stately shape and consistent performance, 'Legacy' is an ideal choice for shade, structure, and seasonal beauty in both urban and rural landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Legacy' matures to 50 to 60 feet tall and 35 to 45 feet wide, forming a broad oval to rounded canopy with strong, upright branching. The leaves are thicker than those of seedling sugar maples, helping the tree retain its rich green color and resist weather-related damage well into the summer. In fall, the foliage turns bold shades of orange and red, sometimes with golden undertones. With a strong central leader and excellent limb structure, this tree develops into a large, symmetrical focal point with minimal pruning required.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun is preferred for best growth, structure, and fall coloration.
• Soil: Grows best in moist, well-drained, loamy soils; tolerates clay and sandy soils when established.
• Water: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
• Humidity: Performs well in both humid and transitional climates; handles heat better than many other sugar maples.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8; hardy across most of the northern and central U.S.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Large form and vibrant color make it an excellent centerpiece for spacious landscapes.
• Shade Trees: Dense canopy offers dependable shade for lawns, patios, and public gathering areas.
• Residential Lawns: A classic choice for large yards, providing structure, shade, and long-term value.
• Parks and Campuses: Withstands foot traffic and urban conditions while delivering seasonal appeal.
• Street and Boulevard Trees: Suitable for wide planting strips and medians where space allows full canopy development.

Low Maintenance Care

Legacy Sugar Maple is easy to maintain and adapts well to a variety of conditions. Its strong branching, pest resistance, and drought tolerance make it a reliable, low-fuss tree for long-term plantings.

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two to three years; mature trees tolerate moderate drought.
• Pruning: Prune in winter only as needed to shape or remove dead or damaged limbs.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring if necessary, using a slow-release fertilizer suited for trees.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to leaf scorch, tatter, and common maple pests.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy with no special protection needed in cold regions.

Why Choose Legacy Sugar Maple?

Legacy Sugar Maple brings the strength, beauty, and durability of sugar maple into a refined, landscape-ready form. With improved foliage quality, dependable fall color, and excellent structural integrity, it's a top-tier tree for long-term plantings.

• Glossy, Durable Leaves: Thick foliage resists wind and heat damage better than typical sugar maples.
• Brilliant Fall Color: Orange-red to golden hues appear consistently year after year.
• Strong Branching: Upright limbs and central leader reduce the need for structural pruning.
• Drought and Heat Tolerant: Handles dry summers and urban conditions with ease.
• Native and Long-Lived: Offers the ecological and aesthetic benefits of North American sugar maples in a refined form.

For a rugged yet elegant shade tree with dependable color and structure, Legacy Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Legacy') delivers performance, longevity, and lasting beauty across a wide range of landscapes.