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Acer pensylvanicum
Acer pensylvanicum L.
Striped Maple, Moosewood
Aceraceae (Maple Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ACPE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Striped maple is a 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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Samara
Size Notes: Up to about 35 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Green, two joined samaras.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , BrownBloom 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 , WVCanada: 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
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight 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.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Acer pensylvanicum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Acer pensylvanicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Acer pensylvanicum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-26Research By: TWC Staff