How to identify Mountain maple (Acer spicatum)

Photo By marykrieger , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Mountain maple (Acer spicatum)

Mountain maple is a slow to moderately growing deciduous plant that typically reaches 10–25 feet (3–7.6 meters) in height. It possesses a bushy and spreading crown above a short trunk, characterized by slender branches. The foliage arrangement contributes to its distinctive appearance, often sought after for ornamental purposes. Notably, it exhibits a certain hardiness expected from members of the Sapindaceae family.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Mountain maple

Opposite, lobed leaves transition to vibrant fall colors (yellow, orange, red).

Upright, slender stem with purplish-red color and tannin content for leather tanning.

Distinctive reddish samaras with elongated wing-like structure for wind dispersal.

Bushy crown atop short trunk, slender branches, reaching 10-25 feet in height.

Delicate, greenish-yellow flowers in small clusters with subtle sweet fragrance.

Detailed Traits of Mountain maple

Leaf Features

The leaves of mountain maple are opposite, simple, and measure 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm). They exhibit 3, or sometimes as many as 5, distinct lobes. In the fall, the leaves transform from their green summer hue to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Their texture is typically smooth, and they display a prominent vein pattern that radiates from the base to the edges of the lobes. These features make the leaves highly distinctive and easy to identify.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of mountain maple are small, greenish-yellow clusters that bloom in early summer. Each individual flower measures approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter and forms dense, upright, spikelike inflorescences up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The flowers possess a subtle, sweet fragrance, aiding in attracting pollinators. The petals are soft, oval, and arranged symmetrically around the central reproductive structures. Blooming typically occurs from late May to early June, adding a splash of color to the forest understory.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of mountain maple is grayish when young, developing a purplish-red hue over time, often appearing greenish on one side. It has a smooth texture and contains tannins used in tanning leather. The bark becomes slightly fissured with age. Stems are typically slender, measuring around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, exhibiting a branching pattern that is somewhat irregular but generally upright. These distinctive features facilitate easy identification of the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of mountain maple is a pair of reddish samaras, each spanning 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) in length, with a distinctive wing-like appearance. They mature in late summer to early fall and are designed to be carried by the wind for dispersal. The samaras usually develop to 1 1⁄4 inches (3.2 cm) long, presenting an elongated and somewhat flat texture, which aids in their flight. Their reddish hue can serve as a visually identifying trait during their maturation period.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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