When it comes to maple trees, let’s be honest: the leaves are the undisputed stars of the show. Between their iconic shapes and those jaw-dropping fall colors, they really know how to steal the spotlight. In fact, most people couldn’t even tell you when maples bloom or what the flowers look like! But today, we’re changing that. Let’s take a closer look at the hidden beauty of maple blossoms.
The Early Birds of Spring
The Silver Maple and Red Maple, both North American natives, are usually the first to wake up and open their buds when spring is just around the corner.
Silver Maple
- Blooms from February to March
- Flowers appear on bare branches before the leaves show up
- Male flowers are a yellowish-green, while female flowers have a reddish tint
- They grow in cute little clusters
Red Maple
- Blooms between March and April
- Flowers emerge before the foliage pops
- They sit on slender stems
- Grow in dense, vibrant clusters
- True to their name, the blossoms are a bright red
The Classic Varieties
Here is how some of the most common traditional maple varieties handle their flowering season:
Sycamore Maple
- This one is a late bloomer—it takes 25 to 40 years to reach maturity and start flowering!
- Blooming season starts in May
- Flowers appear right along with the new leaves (or just after)
- The blossoms are yellowish-green and hang in elegant clusters (panicles)
Hedge Maple (Field Maple)
- Blooms at the same time the leaves emerge
- Flowering season runs from May to June
- The flowers are subtle and yellowish-green
- They grow in upright, branched clusters
Norway Maple
- Blooms between April and May
- Buds open up just before the leaves emerge
- The flowers look very similar to the Hedge Maple
Quick Tip:
Those “helicopter” fruits you see in the fall contain seeds that you can actually use for propagation. Just a heads-up: do a little homework before you plant. Most maple seeds need a “cold snap” (stratification) to trigger germination, or they won’t sprout!
The Stunning Asian Varieties
Maples from Asia are famous for their picturesque shapes and artistic flair. They are also great candidates for container gardening, making them perfect for patios or balconies. While their foliage is legendary, their flowers are pretty spectacular, too. Here are two favorites:
Japanese Laceleaf Maple
- Blooms in May
- Features delicate white and yellow flowers
- Flowers grow in wide, umbrella-like clusters (about 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide)
- Bonus: they have a lovely, sweet fragrance!
Amur Maple (Flame Maple)
- Often grouped with Japanese varieties for its stunning fall color
- Blooms in May and June
- The flower clusters start out red and transition to brown
Quick Tip:
Want to dive deeper into the world of maples? Check out our detailed Maple Profile for more fun facts about these amazing trees.
