A fast growing maple that is easily grown in essentially any average to wet soil and excellent for quick wildlife support! A staple as a fast growing shade tree or for erosion control on river banks. Older trees tend to split or drop branches, which makes them excellent habitat trees but also means they shouldn’t be planed near buildings. Avoid planting near pavement, as the thick trunks and strong roots of older trees can cause damage.

Pollination: Male and female usually needed.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet, Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Silty, Sandy, Loamy, Clay Loam

Height: 60’-100’

Width: 40’-80’

Bloom Color: Green

Bloom Time: March

Fruit: Small seeds in maple typical ‘helicopters’ mature early summer.

Fall Color: Yellow

Root Type: Branching

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts a few dozen species of insects including beetles, plant bugs, moths, and smaller insects. Seeds are eaten by a variety of animals including squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, and mice. Branches and foliage are an important food source for beaver and white-tailed deer. The dead wood and cavities in older trees are important habitat for cavity nesting birds and climbing mammals.

Notes: Individual trees can have male flowers, female flowers, or both. Rarely does an individual have flowers that have male and female parts in the same flower. Some individuals may change gender between years. Seeds can be planted upon ripening, and will germinate immediately without stratification. Seeds will not germinate if allowed to dry out.