Acer glabrum aka Rocky Mountain Maple
Taxonomy
Acer glabrum, also known as California Mountain Maple, is a species of maple that is native to Western North America. It can be found in a range of states, from southeastern Alaska and British Columbia to New Mexico and Arizona. This small tree can grow up to 10 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimeters. Its leaves are 2-10 centimeters broad, three-lobed, and have a coarsely serrated margin. The flowers are produced in corymbs of five to ten and are yellowish-green. The fruit is a samara or winged seed. The leaves are bright green and shiny on top in spring, pale blue-green matte below and turn yellow, orange or red in autumn. This plant is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive, preferably in long-lasting, direct light. If you repot it each time it doubles in size, it shouldn't need added fertilizers. Male and female flowers appear on different branches of the same tree. The small yellow-green flowers are collected in several small dense corymbose inflorescences. This houseplant is a rare find and belongs to the Acer genus.
Common names
Rocky Mountain Maple, California Mountain Maple, Douglas' MapleHow to care for Rocky Mountain Maple
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Rocky Mountain Maple, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Rocky Mountain Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
If you're planting Rocky Mountain Maple, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since California Mountain Maple is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Rocky Mountain Maple will thrive!
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Rocky Mountain Maple prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
The Rocky Mountain Maple is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Rocky Mountain Maple’s native range is Western N. America - Alaska to California, west to New Mexico.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Acer Genus

Acer opalus Italian Maple
Acer Maple

Acer saccharinum Silver Maple

Acer grandidentatum Canyon Maple
Acer caesium Indian Maple

Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain Maple

Acer caudatifolium Caudate Maple

Acer spicatum Moose Maple

Acer distylum Lime Leaved Maple
