Also known as Moose Maple · White Maple
Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum) is a small, multi-stemmed deciduous tree or large shrub native to North America, known for its attractive fall color and adaptability.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot regions.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil; water when top 2-3 cm is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Loamy, Moist, Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
50% intensity
Cold hardy in USDA zones 3-7. Prefers cooler climates and can struggle in prolonged extreme heat.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Fertilize young trees in spring. Established trees rarely need fertilizer unless showing signs of deficiency.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Mountain Maple prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment period. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
In hotter, drier weather, increase watering frequency. Ensure good drainage to prevent issues.
Prune Mountain Maple primarily to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. For shaping, light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before sap flow begins. Avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the tree.
Clean cuts encourage healing.
Propagation is typically done by seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Softwood cuttings can also be taken in early summer and treated with rooting hormone.
Grafting is another method, often used for specific cultivars.
Repotting is generally only necessary for container-grown young plants that have become root-bound. Do this in early spring before new growth emerges.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix. Handle the root ball gently.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
| Species | Acer spicatum |
Similar in genus Acer
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
