Mountain Maple - Acer spicatum
Mountain Maple is our smallest maple species, and has the most northerly range. This tall shrub is extremely important in riparian systems, where the dense layering that occurs from roots and new shoots helps to prevent erosion on banks. Mountain Maple produces small keys that are eaten by moose and deer in the spring. The leaves are 5-12cm long and have 3 main lobes, bordered by prominent saw-toothed edges.
The leaves of the Mountain Maple usually have 3 saw-tooth edged lobes, but can have 2 small and irregular lower lobes as well
The pale green/pinkish keys are a treat to many animals when they are first produced, but don’t disperse until the fall.
Some keys are very pink!
Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Mountain Maples. 1995-1999.
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.