Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Sugar Maple

Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 30, 2026

1. Sugar Maple Marker

Inscription.
Between 1939 and 1960, it was fashionable to designate official state trees. Legislators in several states, including West Virginia, selected the graceful and sturdy sugar maple (Acer saccharum) to represent their states.

Sugar maple has many uses. It is deservedly popular as a shade tree with brilliant fall color, usually orange. The strong and resilient wood is excellent for furniture, flooring, fuel, and specialty uses from fiddle backs to croquet mallets to bowling alleys. The sap may be collected in late winter and boiled down to yield maple syrup and maple sugar.

The Arboretum has many sugar maples, along with many specimens of its very close relative, black maple (Acer nigrumm). The two trees are virtually indistinguishable except for foliage details. The black maple leaf has three lobes, while the sugar maple has five. Their wood and sap are equally useful.

Erected by West Virginia University Biology Department.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 39° 38.826′ N,

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79° 58.837′ W. Marker is in Morgantown, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. It can be reached from the intersection of Monongahela Boulevard (U.S. 19) and Evansdale Drive, on the right when traveling south. The marker is at the small visitor's parking lot at the entrance to the Core Arboretum that can only be reached from the southbound lane. The marker is on the Strausbaugh Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morgantown WV 26505, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chinquapin Oak (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hot Rod Hundley (about 700 feet away); Jerry West (approx. 0.2 miles away); West Virginia University

Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 30, 2026

2. Sugar Maple Marker

Sugar Maple Tree beside the marker and trail.

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Liberty Island Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Core Arboretum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Core Arboretum (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgantown.

Additional keywords. State symbols

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.