Big-Tooth Maple, Canyon Maple, Rocky Mountain Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum grandidentatum

Physical Characteristics

Acer saccharum grandidentatum is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in September. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Rocky Mountains.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Sap Seed Edible Uses: Sweetener The sap is relatively rich in sugar and can be made into a drink or concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water[1, 2, 11, 34, 57]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. It can be harvested in late winter or early spring[[142], the flow is best on a warm sunny day after a frost. Trees on southern slopes in sandy soils give the best yields. It is best to make a hole about 7cm deep and about 1.3 metres above the ground[171]. Yields of 40 - 100 litres per tree can be obtained[142]. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates. Seed - boiled then roasted[62, 105, 159]. The seed is about 6mm long and is produced in small clusters[82]. Inner bark cooked. It is dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[105, 161]. Foraging: Sap: Produces a sweet syrup when boiled down, and is sometimes considered the western counterpart to sugar maple (A. saccharum). A reliable source of minerals and sweetness [2-3]. Leaves: Young leaves are edible after cooking; raw they are too bitter. They can be prepared as a side vegetable, though their coarse hairs may affect texture [2-3]. Buds and Flowers: Presumed edible. Buds are bitter but edible once cooked. Flowers are inconspicuous but mild, with a flavor resembling lettuce mixed with slight maple bitterness. Cooking improves both palatability and safety [2-3]. Fruits (samaras): Young samaras are soft and chewable, tasting slightly acidic and bean-like. They are edible raw in small amounts or cooked [2-3]. Inner Bark: Edible in theory, yielding a fibrous flour of little nutritional value [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known