mountain maple (Acer spicatum)
Family: Aceraceae
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| Form:
This is a small tree reaching an average maximum height of 25 ft. |
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Leaves: Shape: 3-5 lobed; shallow v-shaped sinuses Margin: lobes serrate; rugose Texture: glabrous on top; veins protrude out on the bottom of leaves Variation: pinnate |
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| Bark:
It has thin greenish to red-brown bark. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
Mountain maple has pubescent slender red twigs. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
It develops yellowish-green flowers and the fruit is a paired samara. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
The petiole is red and pubescent and the veins on the underside of leaf are dented out of the leaf. It has a distinctly different leaf shape and bark appearance than striped maple, which it could potentially be confused with. |
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| Range:
It is most common in southeastern Canada. Populations also exist in the northern Lake States and the southern Appalachians above 6000 ft. |
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| Silvics:
It is tolerant of shade and prefers cool climates with abundant moisture. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
It has no commercial value, but is browsed by deer, moose, and caribou. |
