Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): This important timber tree is one of the largest and most valuable species. It grows from Nova Scotia and Maine west through southern Canada to the Dakotas south to Missouri and east through the Great Lakes states. It tolerates extreme temperatures from – 40 o F to 100 o F. Precipitation varies from 20 to 80 inches. It grows on sand and loam that is well drained but watered and it does not grow in wet soils. It can live for 400 years and grow to 120 feet. The root system includes strong laterals but no taproot. It is very tolerant of shade. It is the principal source of maple syrup and its lumber is used extensively for cabinetry and all finish wood products (U.S. Forest Service Silvics Manual).