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Acer pensylvanicum (Striped maple)
Smith, R.W.

Acer pensylvanicum L.

Striped maple, Moosewood

Aceraceae (Maple Family)

USDA Symbol: ACPE

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Striped maple is a 20-40 ft., deciduous, understory tree with a graceful, arching, uneven crown and short trunk. The bark is smooth and green with longitudinal, white stripes on the trunk and branches. Old trunks lose the pronounced striping. Fall foliage is lemon-yellow. Unlike other native maples, the green flowers of this species are terminal and pendulous.

Striped Maple is easily recognized, even in winter, by the striped twigs and bark, which make it a popular ornamental. Rabbits, beavers, deer, and moose eat the bark, especially in winter.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: CT , GA , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: ME & adjacent Canada to s.e. Ont. & U.P., MI, s. through mts. to n. GA
Native Habitat: Rich, shady woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Cool, well-drained, moist, acidic soils.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by stratified seed or cuttings. Late softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings may root under mist, however percentages are often low.
Seed Collection: Only female trees have seeds. The winged fruit of maples is called a samara. Seed is usually not extracted from the samara.
Seed Treatment: 3-4 months of cold stratication will improve germination.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Acer pensylvanicum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Acer pensylvanicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Acer pensylvanicum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-10-15
Research By: TWC Staff

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