The most prized commercial species of North American maple, its leaves are the most spectacular in the fall, and its sap is used to produce the delicious maple sugar and maple syrup.

There are some 150 species of maple in the world, approximately 115 are located in North America.

Maple is a light-colored wood -- a creamy white with just a reddish tint and fine brown lines on some areas. Maple dries slowly and without trouble. It has a non-durable heartwood and a sapwood that is susceptible to attack.

The hardness of the wood coupled with a natural resistance to abrasion and wear makes it good for heavy-duty flooring. Its other uses include paneling, textile machinery rollers, musical instruments, piano actions, butcher block, sporting goods and dairy equipment. It is a high-quality turnery wood.