Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the northeastern regions of North America. It typically grows in cool, moist environments such as forest understories and along streams. The plant can reach heights of up to 6 meters and is characterized by its smooth, gray bark and three-lobed leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow and red in the fall. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Mountain Maple is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in riparian zones. Its dense foliage provides habitat and food for wildlife, making it an excellent choice for natural farming systems that aim to enhance biodiversity. As a mid-story plant in a food forest, it supports a diverse ecosystem by providing shade and shelter for understory plants and wildlife. Historically, Indigenous peoples have used its wood for crafting and its sap for sweetening, although it is less commonly tapped than Sugar Maple.
Growing Details
Mountain Maple thrives in cool, moist environments and prefers partial shade to full shade. It performs best in well-drained, loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Mulching with leaf litter or wood chips helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and wild ginger. Common beginner mistakes include planting in overly dry or compacted soils. Seeds require cold stratification for successful germination. Harvest sap in early spring, an
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer spicatum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to northeastern North America, includi
applicable geo region: Northeastern North America
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of August for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The sap of Mountain Maple can be used to produce a sweet syrup, although it is not as commonly tapped as Sugar Maple due to its lower sugar content. The sap is typically collected in early spring when temperatures fluctuate between freezing at night and thawing during the day.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, various parts of the Mountain Maple have been used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, including treatments for eye ailments and as a tonic. The bark can be brewed into a tea for its astringent properties, but caution should be taken as excessive use may cause irritation.
health concerns:
other uses: The wood is sometimes used for small woodworking projects, and the plant can be used for erosion control. Its ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments makes it ideal for stabilizing stream banks and preventing soil erosion.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Acer spicatum
common names: Mountain Maple; Moose Maple; White Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(3/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 6.0 m
max width: 3.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Acid
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Mountain Maple thrives in cool, moist environments and prefers partial shade to full shade. It performs best in well-drained, loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Mulching with leaf litter or wood chips helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and wild ginger. Common beginner mistakes include planting in overly dry or compacted soils. Seeds require cold stratification for successful germination. Harvest sap in early spring, an
Potential Disturbances: Mountain Maple is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids and leaf spot diseases. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help deter aphids. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as organic treatments for pest management.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
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