Striped Maple
acer pensylvanicum
Also known as: [" Moosewood "," Snakebark Maple "]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive green and white striped bark and broad, three-lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer pensylvanicum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–6"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning to remove dead branches and shape the tree.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade in hot climates).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure filtered light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; avoid intense midday sun; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, well-drained, slightly acidic loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8, tolerating temperatures from -30°F to 80°F. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sterile potting soil with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several weeks to months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to reduce height or encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove old soil gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young trees may need repotting more frequently.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, and growth can slow or stop in freezing temperatures, though the species is cold-hardy.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop due to excessive heat and drought stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season, avoiding winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicAcer pensylvanicum is slightly toxic to cats if ingested. The bark, leaves, and sap contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. The toxicity level is low, but ingestion should still be avoided to prevent any potential discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicAcer pensylvanicum can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested. The bark, leaves, and sap contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxicity is generally low, but dogs may experience discomfort if they consume significant amounts of the plant material.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAcer pensylvanicum, commonly known as striped maple, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of the bark or sap may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of saponins and other secondary compounds. These compounds are not typically harmful in small amounts but can be irritating when consumed in excess.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Striped Maple suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, but it naturally grows into a medium-sized tree.
Q: Does the Striped Maple have any medicinal uses?
A: Traditionally, parts of the tree have been used for minor medicinal purposes, though modern use is limited.
Q: How fast does the Striped Maple grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically gaining about 1 foot per year under optimal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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