Striped Maple makes a beautiful large shrub or small tree, favoring a spot with dappled sunlight from the larger canopy. As with all maples, Striped Maple is considered a Keystone Species because it feeds more than 200 moth larvae including the Imperial Moth.
In addition to its bright yellow fall foliage, leaves emerge pink in spring and young trunks are marked with vertical white stripes, adding winter interest.
Wildlife, including squirrels, rabbits, porcupines and chipmunks, love to browse the twigs and seeds. Deer also browse and Ruffed Grouse eat the flowers.
In the forest, Striped Maple helps create a canopy with multiple layers, which is essential to wildlife such as Warblers, which like nesting in the understory.
Fun Fact: Striped Maple also is called Goosefoot Maple because the shape of the leaves.
Maple, Striped
- Latin: Acer pensylvanicum
- Pollinator value: High
- Wetland status: FACU
- Current height: Seedlings
- Mature height: 15-25 feet; 12-20-foot spread
- Light: Dappled shade
- Soil: Medium, well drained
- Bloom: Yellow spring racimes
- Foliage: Dark green; bright yellow fall
- Landscape: Woodland gardens, specimen in a partly shady area
- More information and native range here