Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Native Tree to MA- Mature height 60'100' , slow to medium growth rate

Benefits:  for humans: Shade, syrup and great yellow/orange/red fall foliage.                        for wildlife: Birds & pollinators -larval host for Cecropia Silk moth and Rosy Maple Moth, Native bees, honey bees, beetles, and flies use the early season pollen, Yellow bellied sapsuckers, Mourning Cloak, Eastern Comma, and Red Admiral Butterflies all feed on the sap.  Mammals such as  deer, porcupine, moose and snowshoe hares browse on the twigs and foliage.  Red and grey squirrels, chipmunks and flying squirrels feed on its seeds, buds, twigs, and leaves. 

Protect your young seedlings from hungry critters.  Use a physical barrier that is at least 4-5 ft tall & 2-3ft wide(too wide and the deer will jump in, short and they will nibble over the barrier) made of welded wire, chicken wire, or deer fencing around each plant.  Support with stakes or posts.  

Prefers: FS/PS/Shade with moist deep, fertile soil.