Moose maple (Acer spicatum, Encycl. 2: 381 (1786))

Family: Sapindaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 2: 381 (1786)

Year: 1786

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acer

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. & E. Canada, NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Moose Maple, scientifically referred to as Acer spicatum, is a fascinating species belonging to the family Sapindaceae. First described in 1786 by the author Lam., this deciduous shrub or small tree is primarily found in regions extending from southeastern and eastern Canada to the north-central and eastern United States.

Moose Maple thrives in the cool, moist environments of boreal and temperate forests, typically forming part of the understory layer. It can reach a height of about 3-6 meters (10-20 feet) and is characterized by its distinctive leaves, which bear three to five lobes with sharply serrated edges. The leaves exhibit a broad, flat surface and vibrant, green coloration in the summer, which transforms into brilliant shades of yellow and occasionally red during the autumn months.

The bark of the Moose Maple is generally smooth and grayish-brown in younger specimens, becoming rougher and developing scales or ridges as the tree matures. One of the unique attributes of this tree is its flower structure. Blooming in early summer, the tree produces small, yellow-green flowers arranged in dense, spike-like clusters known as inflorescences. These clusters are pivotal in the tree’s reproductive process and attract various pollinators, ensuring the continuation of the species.

Acer spicatum’s fruit is a double samara, a typical feature of maples, with two winged seeds that facilitate wind dispersal. These seeds mature towards the end of summer and provide a source of nourishment for wildlife through the colder months.

Ecologically, Moose Maple plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems. As an understory plant, it offers critical habitat and food for various animal species. Its dense foliage serves as cover for ground-dwelling birds and small mammals, while its seeds are a food source for species such as squirrels and chipmunks.

In addition to its ecological importance, Moose Maple has some traditional uses among Indigenous communities and early settlers. The bark and roots were often utilized for medicinal purposes, aiding in the treatment of various ailments.

Overall, the Moose Maple is a resilient and vital component of North American forests. Its presence enhances biodiversity and contributes to the ecological balance of its native habitats.

Common Names

Eng: moose maple, mountain maple, white maple
Swe: axlönn
Fra: érable à épis, plaine bleue, plaine bâtarde, érable bâtard
En: Moose maple, Mountain maple, White Maple
Fi: Tähkävaahtera
Fr: Érable à épis, Plaine bleue, Plaine bâtarde, Érable bâtard
Sv: Axlönn

Synonyms

• Acer parviflorum (Ehrh.)
• Acer montanum (W.T.Aiton)
• Acer spicatum f. rugosum (Schwer.)
• Acer spicatum f. americanum (Schwer.)
• Acer spicatum f. roseocarpum (A.E.Murray)
• Acer striatum (Du Roi)
• Acer pumilum (W.Bartram)

Distribution

• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by cedric harpin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Nancy Callaway (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Richard Dalton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2022 by alicia smn (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 3, 2014 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by philip beef (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2015 by EOL − alstrauss (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Yvonne Pandke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Richard Dalton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2022 by alicia smn (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 20, 2015 by EOL − Marv Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 19, 2015 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2015 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2022 by alicia smn (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Jim Jim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2019 by Gallinger Andrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Eric Lacroix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189848)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:781514-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer spicatum Lam.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.8