True to its name, mountain maple (Acer spicatum) primarily grows in the mountainous regions of eastern North America. Rabbits, moose, and deer love to nibble on the delicious bark. You can tap the tree and make maple syrup from the sugary sap. Its natural tannins have also been important to the historical leather-tanning industry
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Acer spicatum, the mountain maple, dwarf maple, moose maple, or white maple, is a species of maple native to northeastern North America from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland, and south to Pennsylvania. It also grows at high elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia.
Acer spicatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 3–8 m (10–25 ft) tall, forming a spreading crown with a short trunk and slender branches. The leaves are opposite and simple, 6–10 cm (2+1⁄4–4 in) long and wide, with 3 or 5 shallow broad lobes. They are coarsely and irregularly toothed with a light green hairless surface and a finely hairy underside. The leaves turn brilliant yellow to red in autumn, and are on slender stalks usually longer than the blade. The bark is thin, dull gray-brown, and smooth at first but becoming slightly scaly. The fruit is a paired reddish samara, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long, maturing in late summer to early autumn.
The tree lives in moist woods in rich, well-drained soils on rocky hillsides and along streams. It also grows on ravines, cliff faces, and forested bogs. It colonizes the understory of hardwood forests.
Mammals such as moose, deer, beavers, and rabbits browse the bark; ruffed grouse eat the buds.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Mountain maple flourishes in areas receiving full sunlight, where it experiences the most rigorous growth and displays optimal health. However, it displays a notable adaptability to less than ideal light conditions. Mountain maple can tolerate partial sun and even full shade, though these conditions may result in reduced vigor and diminished foliage density. Adaptive traits, such as leaf adjustments, may occur to maximize light absorption under varying light intensities. Outdoors, mountain maple should be planted in locations that provide ample sunlight while accommodating partial shade, to mimic its natural woodland edge habitat, ensuring robust growth.
Temperature
The mountain maple has good cold resistance and is able to tolerate low temperatures. The mountain maple is native to the margins of forests in China, Japan, and North Korea, so these trees generally prefer a humid environment. Most mountain maple plants have shallow root systems, so they should be watered frequently during the summer. For some varieties, a sprayed mist should be provided during the summer to increase the humidity of the air around them.
Watering
Mountain maple thrives in environments that mimic its native woodland habitat, where it benefits from consistent moisture and a cool climate. This species exhibits a preference for moderate humidity and has a moderate drought tolerance. It should be watered once every three weeks to maintain adequate hydration without over-saturating the soil. As mountain maple is more commonly grown outdoors, it’s important to consider its deciduous nature when addressing water needs; during the growing season, ensure the soil remains evenly moist to support healthy leaf development and vibrant fall coloration.
Soil
The mountain maple does not have many specific requirements for soil. It is a forest native, so it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in humus and slightly acidic. Its main root will extend deep into the soil, but its tiny fibrous roots will be concentrated near the soil surface, so accumulated water in the soil tends to cause root rot.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth of mountain maple, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and a high nitrogen one in early summer to support foliage development. Fertilize every 2-3 years, with 1 pound per inch of trunk diameter, spreading to the drip line. Benefits include robust growth and potential for more vibrant fall color. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excess growth and environmental harm. Seasonal adjustments ensure nutrient availability during active growth. Use fertilizer spikes or granular types; water well post-application to aid absorption.
Planting Instructions
The best time for planting or transplanting a mountain maple is following defoliation in the fall. At this time, the leaves will have fallen off so there is little transpiration and water loss can be avoided. In addition, the root system will still be growing at this time, preparing for regrowth the following spring. Transplanting should be avoided on the coldest days because cold wind can kill some of the shoots and branches. During the winter, in areas that cannot be sheltered from the wind, it is recommended to cover the branches.
Pruning
Pruning is mainly used to enhance internal ventilation, improve shoot formation, promote growth, and for shaping. The common approach to pruning is to remove any old or weak branches, remove any branches that disrupt the shape of the tree, and remove any branches that cross other branches. Pruning is used to control the plant according to the required height and shape. Generally, this follows the “Y-type” pruning method.
It is possible to prune a mountain maple throughout the year, but the coldest winter months should be avoided to prevent damage to the plant. Major pruning to shape a maple can be performed following defoliation in the fall, or prior to leaf growth in the spring. It is recommended to prune in the fall because withered and full buds can be easily distinguished.
According to the shaping plan, you can prune any withered buds and keep the full ones, thus making your tree healthier. For pruning in the summer, diseased, weak, or dead branches can be removed, mainly to enhance the tree’s ventilation.
If grown as a potted plant, the roots can easily occupy the entire flowerpot due to the limited space. This can make a mountain maple prone to aging if an old flowerpot is not changed. It is recommended that old roots are pruned during the dormancy period, that is, cut off any old, coarse, diseased, and weak roots.
Propagation
This plant, a small deciduous tree found in North America, thrives in well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight. Its propagation is primarily achieved through sowing. Gardeners should collect seeds after the winged samaras mature, which typically occurs in late summer to fall. Prior to sowing, stratifying the seeds for a couple of months at cold temperatures can enhance germination rates. Sow the stratified seeds in moist, well-draining growing medium, ideally in a shaded nursery bed. Seedlings require careful attention to moisture and should be protected from extreme conditions. Once established, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant mountain maple is from the thaw of early spring until the soil warms in later spring, fostering robust root growth. Choose a shaded site with moist, well-drained soil. If necessary, enrich the location with organic matter to help mountain maple thrive.
III. Uses and Benefits
The tree lives in moist woods in rich, well-drained soils on rocky hillsides and along streams. It also grows on ravines, cliff faces, and forested bogs. It colonizes the understory of hardwood forests.
Mammals such as moose, deer, beavers, and rabbits browse the bark; ruffed grouse eat the buds.