A long-lived tree, the Sugar Maple reaches heights of 60-80 feet.  The twigs are reddish-brown and shiny.The bark is gray and lightly fissured on young trees, becoming darker and deeply furrowed into long scaly ridges or plates.  The wood is heavy, hard, and durable and is used for flooring and furniture.The leaves are simple, opposite, and deciduous.  Theleaves turn to a beautiful red, orange, or yellow in the fall.