Contents
Description
Acer Glabrum Var. Douglasii, commonly known as Rocky Mountain maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including mountains, forests, and riverbanks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Rocky Mountain maple can grow up to 30 feet tall, but usually grows between 10-20 feet. It has a dense, round crown with a spreading canopy. The leaves are palmately lobed with three to five lobes and a toothed margin. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a paired samara that is reddish-brown in color.
Care Guide
Rocky Mountain maple prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and requires moderate watering. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rocky Mountain maple is prone to aphids and scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or oil. It is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and verticillium wilt, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Rocky Mountain maple is native to western North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including mountains, forests, and riverbanks. It is often used in landscaping as a specimen plant or hedge.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Rocky Mountain maple be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as there is adequate drainage and it is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Q: Does Rocky Mountain maple produce sap that can be tapped for maple syrup?
A: Yes, but the sap yield is low and the syrup has a strong, bitter taste.
Q: How fast does Rocky Mountain maple grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, growing between 12-24 inches per year.
Q: How often should I prune my Rocky Mountain maple?
A: Prune your Rocky Mountain maple in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches, and to shape the plant if necessary.
Related Plants
- Acer circinatum (Vine maple)
- Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf maple)
- Acer negundo (Boxelder maple)
- Acer palmatum (Japanese maple)
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Acer glabrum var. douglasii. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACGLD
- Weber, W. A., & Wittmann, R. C. (2012). Rocky Mountain Flora: A Field Guide for the Identification of the Ferns, Conifers, and Flowering Plants of the Southern Rocky Mountains. University Press of Colorado.
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses (5th ed.). Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
