Mountain Maple
Acer spicatum
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Sapindaceae
- Genus:
- Acer
- Species:
- Acer spicatum
- USDA Symbol:
- ACSP2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellowish-green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
American Dagger Moth (Acronicta americana), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), chalybeana leafroller moth (Acleris chalybeana), False Crocus Geometer (Xanthotype urticaria), fruit-tree leafroller (Archips argyrospila), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Io moth (Automeris io), Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda), Saddled Prominent (Heterocampa guttivitta), Sparganothis acerivorana, woodland leafroller (Pandemis lamprosana), Zale galbanata
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Maple leaf blotch miner (Cameraria aceriella), maple trumpet skeletonizer (Catastega aceriella)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, shaded environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)