Sugar Maple or hard maple Acer saccharum reaches its full potential in cooler climates of the norther Appalachian and Midwest. In VA this species is more common west of the Blue Ridge Mountains close to the West Virginia border. Sugar maple is most known as the species used for maple syrup production. With the largest amounts being produced in the northern area of its range. Sugar maples need the hard winter freeze to aid in sap production. Sugar maples are widely used as landscape trees for their stunning yellow fall colors.

The pure white sapwood is extremely desirable for veneer producers as well as lumber. The sapwood is whiter in color then soft maple and the wood is harder, heavier and more durable. It is used for cabinets, fine furniture, flooring, and molding.