Striped Maple
Acer pensylvanicum
Also listed as Acer canadense, Acer tricuspifolium
Also known as Moosewood, Goosefoot Maple, Snakebark Maple
Climate Match for your location
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A small deciduous tree prized for its distinctive white-striped green bark and brilliant yellow fall color. It thrives in cool, moist woodland conditions and makes an excellent understory specimen.
Why grow it
Striped maple distinguishes itself among small understory trees through its year-round ornamental bark, which remains visually striking even in winter when deciduous competitors offer little interest. It performs well in the same cool, moist woodland niches as comparable species like serviceberry or redbud but offers superior winter appeal. The combination of striped bark, reliable fall color, and modest mature size (25-30 feet) makes it useful where space or light is limited.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist soil and struggles in dry conditions or exposed sites with intense afternoon sun, particularly in warmer regions. Young growth can be vulnerable to deer browsing during establishment. It tends toward multi-stem form and may require selective pruning if a single-leader structure is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A small deciduous tree prized for its distinctive white-striped green bark and brilliant yellow fall color. It thrives in cool, moist woodland conditions and makes an excellent understory specimen.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Striped Maple grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Striped maple distinguishes itself among small understory trees through its year-round ornamental bark, which remains visually striking even in winter when deciduous competitors offer little interest. It performs well in the same cool, moist woodland niches as comparable species like serviceberry or redbud but offers superior winter appeal. The combination of striped bark, reliable fall color, and modest mature size (25-30 feet) makes it useful where space or light is limited.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist soil and struggles in dry conditions or exposed sites with intense afternoon sun, particularly in warmer regions. Young growth can be vulnerable to deer browsing during establishment. It tends toward multi-stem form and may require selective pruning if a single-leader structure is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Sapindaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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