How to Identify Maple Trees by Fruit Seeds

With more than 100 species of maple trees, identifying them can be difficult. Most people are identifying maple trees in search of those that produce syrup. There are four maple trees commonly used for syrup collection, and you can learn to identify them by their fruit seeds.

Instructions

1. Locate the fruit seeds on the tree.

2. Determine the shape of the fruit.

3. Count the number of seeds on the fruit (if you can). Some maple trees' fruit will seed in clusters.

4. Determine the time of year it is and what the fruit seeds are doing. All seeds will be dormant for some period after ripening before germinating. You can tell germination by the opening of the seeds.

5. Use the guide in the Tips section to determine the type of syrup-producing maple tree you're looking at.

Tips & Warnings

• Sugar maple: Two-winged samaras that mature every fall and germinate the following spring.

• Red maple: A pair of winged seeds that germinate in the spring.

• Silver maple: A pair of winged seeds that ripen in late spring.

• Boxelder: Two wing-shaped fruit leaves with long drooping clusters. These remain on the tree over winter.

References

• Identifying Maple Trees for Syrup Production
• Plant Biology
• Seed Germination