Mountain Maple

acer spicatum

Also known as: ["Mountain Maple","Oval-Leaved Maple"]

Family: Sapindaceae Genus: Acer Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous shrub or small tree native to northeastern North America, known for its distinctive lobed leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Acer
Botanical Name: Acer spicatum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded understory
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−40–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–6"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining, acidic to neutral soil; prefers loamy or sandy loam.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates dappled sunlight in cooler climates; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from harsh midday sun; ideal for understory planting.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) may indicate poor drainage or pH imbalance; wilting despite moist soil suggests root issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; adjust based on climate.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral loam

pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; maintain acidity; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures; prefers 50–70°F (10–21°C); thrives in cooler climates.

Protect from extreme heat; mulch for cold protection; adjust watering with temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in autumn.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-drained seed starting mix for seeds.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.

Timeline

Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 months with stratification.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, humidity dome, misting spray.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent material; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy; selective removal of weak or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged wood; shape lightly to maintain form; encourage air circulation.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, sterilized blades.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape lightly; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add organic matter like compost; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in extreme cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows; potential dieback in severe cold.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced vigor in high heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check soil nutrients; apply fertilizer; water after application; monitor plant response.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Acer spicatum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron chlorosis, or may be a response to environmental stressors like excessive sunlight or waterlogging.

Wilting in Acer spicatum typically results from water stress, either due to insufficient watering leading to drought or overwatering causing root suffocation and subsequent wilting.

Leaf spots on Acer spicatum are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial infections, such as tar spot or anthracnose, which can lead to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting in Acer spicatum is often associated with root or stem rot caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soil conditions, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume the seeds of Acer spicatum. The saponins can cause irritation, though severe reactions are rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent access to seeds; seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Acer spicatum may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant amounts. The saponins present can lead to irritation of the stomach and intestines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep seeds out of reach of pets; monitor for symptoms if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Acer spicatum contain small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consuming seeds; wash hands after handling the plant.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Mountain Maple produce edible fruits?

A: No, the fruits are not typically consumed by humans.

Q: Is Mountain Maple suitable for small gardens?

A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a shrub-like form.

Q: Does Mountain Maple attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it provides nectar for bees and butterflies and seeds for birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Sapindaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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