Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum)

Mountain Maple, our smallest maple species, is an understory tree with multiple short trunks forming a bushy, spreading crown of slender branches. It is hardy and adapted to partial shade. Mountain Maple can be very important for preventing erosion on streambanks and steep slopes. Has brilliant yellow, orange to red fall color.

Mountain Maple has other uses too. Indigenous people boiled the young twigs with a pinch of alum and used the solution to soothe eyes irritated by smoke. The sap is a source of sugar and can be boiled to make maple syrup. The bark contains tannins, which are used in tanning leather.

Fall Color; Attracts: 🐦
Light: part sun to part shade
Soil: wet, well-drained
Mature Height: 25’