Acer spicatum aka Moose Maple

Acer spicatum is known as mountain maple or moose maple. It belongs to the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. This deciduous shrub or small tree comes from eastern North America. Its range stretches from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland and south to Georgia. In the southern part, it grows high in the Appalachians. It lives in cool woods, ravines, and near mountain streams.

Garden plants reach about 10–26 feet [3–8 metres] tall. Reported widths range from 8–25 feet [2.5–7.6 metres]. Some mountain trees reach 30 feet [9.1 metres]. The short trunk supports an open, spreading crown. Growth is slow, though some plants grow at a moderate pace. Thin, gray-brown bark starts smooth and forms shallow grooves with age. Young shoots have fine hairs and can turn purplish red. The simple leaves grow in opposite pairs on long, slender stalks. Each leaf has three lobes, sometimes five, with coarse teeth. The lower surface is paler and has fine hairs. Fall leaves turn yellow, orange, or red.

Small greenish-yellow flowers form upright clusters after the leaves unfold. Several sources place bloom in early summer; others report spring. Male and female flowers occur on the same plant. The fruit consists of paired winged seeds called samaras. These hang in clusters and can look red in summer. They ripen from late summer into early fall. Some fruits stay on the tree through winter.

Mountain maple needs fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. It grows in clay, loam, or sand. Acid to neutral soil suits it. It accepts full sun or partial shade, but prefers cool sites. Sources give USDA zones 2–7 and the UK rating H7. It suits woodland, native, wildlife, and informal gardens. Its roots can help hold soil on banks. Yet it does not always adapt well to garden culture. Nurseries may be hard places to find it. Prune only when needed, from late autumn through midwinter.

No major problems are reported by NC State. The RHS lists aphids, gall mites, caterpillars, and scale as possible pests. Wilt, leaf scorch, and honey fungus may also occur. The sap provides sugar and can be boiled into syrup. The bark supplies tannins for tanning leather. Traditional medicinal uses involve bark, roots, and young twig pith. These reports do not establish safe or effective treatments. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards.