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Description
Acer Pensylvanicum, commonly known as the Striped Maple or Moosewood, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. The tree is native to the eastern part of North America and can be found in the Appalachian Mountains. The Striped Maple is known for its beautiful bark, which has greenish-white stripes that run vertically up the trunk. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and has a spread of up to 25 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Striped Maple has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify. The tree has large, lobed leaves that are bright green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, with greenish-white vertical stripes that run up and down the trunk. The tree also has small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom in the spring and give way to winged samaras in the summer.
Care Guide
The Striped Maple is a relatively easy tree to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure its health and longevity. Here are some tips for caring for your Striped Maple:
Water
The Striped Maple prefers moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly, especially during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater the tree, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Striped Maple does not require much fertilizer, but adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.
Soil
The Striped Maple prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH level.
Sunlight
The Striped Maple prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt.
Hardiness Zones
The Striped Maple is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, which means it can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Striped Maple is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems:
Pests
- Japanese beetles
- Scale insects
- Aphids
Diseases
- Verticillium wilt
- Anthracnose
- Tar spot
Habitat
The Striped Maple is native to the eastern part of North America and can be found in the Appalachian Mountains. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can be found in forests and along streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does the Striped Maple grow?
A: The Striped Maple is a relatively slow-growing tree, averaging about 1-2 feet of growth per year.
Q: Can the Striped Maple be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Striped Maple can be grown in containers, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization to ensure its health.
Q: When is the best time to prune the Striped Maple?
A: The best time to prune the Striped Maple is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Q: Is the Striped Maple a good shade tree?
A: The Striped Maple is not the best choice for a shade tree, as it prefers partial shade and does not provide a dense canopy.
Related Plants
- Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
- Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
- Acer negundo (Boxelder)
- Acer campestre (Hedge Maple)
- Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
References
- “Acer pensylvanicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j700.
- “Acer pensylvanicum.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/striped-maple.
- “Striped Maple.” North Carolina State University. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-pensylvanicum/.
