Acer spicatum (Mountain Maple)


Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae
GenusAcer
Speciesspicatum
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginEastern North America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone2
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-46) - (-40)
Temperature (°F)(-50) - (-40)
Height10 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA tall shrub or small tree, this maple is used to make maple syrup and its bark's tannins are used for tanning leather. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
PestsAphids and several species of caterpillar may be an issue.
Notable SpecimensSpooky Hollow, Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatHardwood forests along streams, ravines and moist hillsides.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThin bark, smooth in its youth but splits and develops shallow furrows as it ages, greyish brown to light brown in colour. Branches are russet with grey pubescence when young.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are up to 12 cm in length with 3-5 lobes, alternate, yellow-green above with grey pubescence underneath, turning a beautiful red and yellow in autumn.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are small and green-yellow in colour and clustered at the branchlet tips.
Fruit DescriptionVibrant red winged samaras, 2-3 cm in length.

Photographs