striped maple - Acer pensylvanicum

This shrub-like maple species grows to be about 4-10 metres high, and has the largest leaves of any Ontario maple. It is easily identified by the whitish vertical stripes on the bark, typical of the snakebark group of maples found primarily in Asia. Striped maple provides food in the form of bark and keys for many species, including beaver, deer, many songbirds, and small mammals. Moose like to eat this tree so much that it is known by some as moosewood. The beautiful, broad leaves of the striped maple turn yellow in the fall, and this striking colour, combined with the ornamental bark and small size, make it a favourite garden species.

The greenish bark and pale stripes make this maple species easy to recognize.

The striped maple has opposite, palmate leaves with three lobes. These large (10-18cm) leaves turn yellow in the fall.

The bright yellowish-green flowers bloom in long clusters in May and June.

The winged key pairs mature in late summer.

Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Striped Maples. 1995-1999.

Return to tree listing page [1]

References

Farrar, J.L.. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. Toronto. ON. 504 pp.  

Kershaw, L. 2001. Trees in Ontario: Including tall shrubs. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton. AB. 240 pp

Muma, W. 2011. Ontario Trees and Shrubs. [Online] Available: www.ontariotrees.com

OMNR, 2011. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario Tree Atlas. [Online] Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ClimateChange/2ColumnSubPage/267027.html

OMNR, 2008. Ontario’s Biodiversity: Species at Risk.