Habitat: Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in fertile, slightly acidic, moist soils in full sun. Common in the Virginia mountains; infrequent and usually restricted to sheltered bluffs and north-facing slopes in the n. and inner Piedmont. Occasionally escaped beyond its native range.
Wildlife value: The Sugar Maple attracts pollinators like moths and butterflies to their flowers, while song birds and small mammals eat the seeds. Some birds make their nests in the cavities of the Sugar Maple. It supports Imperial Moth larvae that appear from April to October.
Note: According to Plant NoVA Natives: "We are at the southern edge of its range, which may become problematic as temperatures rise - it is failing badly in Richmond."
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.