Autumn Fest Sugar Maple has a faster growth rate than other Sugar Maple cultivars, and has a strong central leader. Deep green, palmate leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall. Leaves can suffer from scorch during periods of drought. This is a hardy and adaptable tree that can grow in a wide variety of soil conditions once established. It is a great shade tree for a yard or park. Sugars Maples are an important larval food source for many butterfly species, and attract migratory birds.