Acer pensylvanicum (Moosewood Maple)


Michael's Opinion

A tree that sees little use in the landscape since we seem to want all maples as lawn specimens. Well-suited to the woodland or natural garden an interesting and valuable native addition.

Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciespensylvanicum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginNorth-Eastern United States to Eastern Canada.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-40) - (-35)
Temperature (°F)(-40) - (-30)
Height9 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionAlthough, noted for their attractive bark and leaves, it is a very inadequate lawn specimen because the bark is thin and is subject to mower and weed eater damage. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ID CharacteristicBark is marked by long, vertical, greenish white stripes. In autumn the leaves change to a vibrant yellow colour.
ShapeRounded.
LandscapeA very inadequate lawn specimen but for naturalizing purposes has possibilities, autumn colour and bark are nice and for that reason it warrants use.
PropagationSeed, 5 °C for 90-120 days.
CultivationRarely naturalizes under cultivation. Prefers partially shaded woods, well drained soils and a cool moist situation.
HabitatMountains and woodlands where soil moisture is sufficient.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYoung stems greenish brown or reddish while the branches are green and marked by long, vertical, greenish white stripes.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionGlabrous and blunt, covered by 2 thick, bright red keeled scales.
Leaf DescriptionBright green, simple, orbicular to obovate and 3-lobed at the apex. Leaves have a pinkish tinge when unfolding and are bright green at maturity.
Flower Description5-petaled, dioecious, yellow to yellow-green colour; produced on pendulous with slender 8-12 cm long racemes.
Fruit DescriptionSamara, about 1-1.5 cm long with the wings spread at a wide angle.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are bright green at maturity and change to a bright yellow in autumn.
Texture DescriptionMedium-course in leaf and medium texture in the winter.

Photographs