Spotlight: Maple Trees
Maple Trees are iconic during the fall time. They bring us warmth with their beautiful autumn foliage, they remind us of the changes happening all around us, and prepare us to look inward for the season to come. Let’s learn all about the majestic and magical Maple Trees —
historical background
As we mentioned, Maple Trees are some of the most well known autumnal trees. They are concentrated around the northern hemisphere and are always highly anticipated every year during the fall season. And for good reason! They give us inspiring bursts of color in ever frond. They are what mark the seasonal transition into the colder months.
Wildly enough, these trees can be considered prehistoric. Prehistoric meaning back when dinosaurs were around - how mind boggling is that?! They have been around for many centuries and still continue to blow us all away every year.
types of maple trees
Maple Trees come from the family of Aceraceae and there are over 100 different species, each and every one equally magical and impressive. Some popular ones include: Japanese Maples, Norway Maples, Sugar Maples and Red Maples.
Because of the diverse family of Aceraceae, Maples come in many different shapes and sizes. Some only reaching a foot, to some exceeding over 100! With their long life expectancy, Maples are certain to deliver beauty, no matter the specific species, wherever they’re planted for many years to follow. In fact, under healthy conditions Maples can live on for over 250 years!
all about maple syrup
The section you were all waiting for: maple syrup of course! YES, Maple Trees do indeed produce some of the tastiest maple syrups. Here are some facts about the process:
Maple syrup is a long, yet fruitful process. In order to make just 1 gallon, you need to around 50 gallons of sap!
Sap can’t be used until the Maple hits around 30 years old - so you really have to be patient! It’s definitely worth the wait.
Most maple syrup comes from Quebec; no wonder Canada has coined the Maple leaf!
Sugar Maples are the species that are mostly tapped in Canada. Did you know they suction the sap off the trees?
fun facts about maples
Did you know Maples also make whisky? YES. Specifically Tennessee whisky.
Maple Trees do not only deliver stunning fall leaves, but they also bloom flowers!
All Maple leaves are divided into 3, 5 or 7 sections.
Have you heard of “tonewood”? Well, that’s another identifier of Maple Trees. They are called this because they are known to excellently carry sound waves, making them amazing wood to use for crafting instruments.
The biggest Maple documented to date lived in Oregon and it grew 103 feet tall and spread to be about 112 feet!
