Which tree is the primary natural source of maple syrup?

The sugar maple is the primary natural source of maple syrup.

Sugar maple, Acer saccharum, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. In late winter and early spring, alternating freezing nights and thawing days create pressure changes inside the trunk. This allows sap to flow from tapped trees and be collected for processing.

Maple syrup is made by removing much of the water from the sap through boiling or evaporation. The sap is not syrup when it leaves the tree, and its sugar concentration is relatively low. Sugar maple is favored because its sap generally contains more sugar than that of many other maple species, making processing more efficient.

Red maple and black maple can also contribute to commercial syrup production, so “only sugar maple can make syrup” is incorrect. Sugar maple is nevertheless the classic and most important source. The species is also valued for brilliant autumn foliage and dense, attractive timber used in flooring, furniture and musical instruments.