Maple is ivory in colour with a hint of reddish-brown whereas its heartwood is a rather greyish-brown colour. In addition, maple has a closed grain that gives it an even texture.
Maple wood is best known for its hardness and resistance making it suitable for a wide range of high-quality finishes.
Since 1965, Canada's national flag has featured a red maple leaf in the background. It has since then become Canada’s most prominent symbol, both nationally and internationally. Of the 150 known species of maple, ten of them grow in Canada, and at least one species grows naturally in every Canadian province.
The maple tree was officially proclaimed Canada's arboreal emblem in 1996. This is one of the reasons why the Canadian government chose the "Dominion" solid silver maple casket made by Victoriaville & Co. for the repatriation of the Unknown Soldier in May 2000.