Mountain Maple

Acer spicatum

Physical Characteristics

Acer spicatum is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

North-eastern N. America - Saskatchewan to Labrador, south to Wisconsin and Georgia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Edible Uses: Sweetener A sugar is obtained from the sap. The sap can be used as a drink or boiled down to make maple syrup[183]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. The sap can be harvested in late winter, the flow is best on a warm sunny day after a frost. Trees on southern slopes in sandy soils give the best yields. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Ophthalmic Poultice The North American Indians made an infusion of the pith of young twigs and used this as eye drops to soothe irritation caused by campfire smoke[226, 257]. The pith itself was used to remove foreign matter from the eyes[257]. An infusion or poultice made from the outer bark has been used to treat sore eyes[257]. A poultice made from boiled root chips has been applied externally to wounds and abscesses[257]. A compound infusion of the roots and bark is used to treat internal haemorrhage[257].

Known Hazards

None known