Deciduous trees, their leaves are simple and opposite, and always lobed or toothed. Bark is plated, tight in sections, while other maples just have grooves and no plates.The fruits are double samaras, whose single seeds drop away from the axis.

Throughout the province

Maple syrup has been a commercial enterprise in Nova Scotia for decades. The same maple grows wild here, especially in the hilly areas. Should you be so lucky as to have one on your property, make note the previous year.

To make syrup: Boil 30-40 litres of sap down until 1 litre remains! Sap needs to be 4 degrees above boiling point of water. Strain to remove sugar sand. Lots of sand means the sap is good! Bottle while warm and leave expansion space.

Instructions for setting spile: E to S side of tree with at least 18 inches dia. 1 tap per tree. Use drill to drill hole 1.5 inches deep with 5/16 inch bit. Angle drill down, so sap runs down. Tap in spile and connect to hose or place bucket on spile.