WSU Clark County Extension
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Bigtooth Maple

Scientific name: Acer grandidentatum
Taxonomy
Family:Aceraceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:25 ft
Width:15 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Bigtooth maple is a native to the inter-mountain west, where it is commonly known as canyon maple, western sugar maple, or Rocky Mountain sugar maple. It has excellent fall color in the Pacific Northwest.

  Morphology:
This slow growing relative of the sugar maple grows to a height and width of 25’ and 15’ respectfully. It features opposite, simple and palmately veined leaves which are 2” to 3.5” long and wide, with 3-5 lobes with rounded teeth. Summer leaf color is green above and lighter below with pubescence. In the fall the leaves turn a brilliant orange to reddish color before they are shed for the dormant period.

Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in the spring, forming on hanging clusters with thread like stems. Flowers give rise to the double winged maple fruit (paired samara).

The bark on this species is smooth, gray-brown, and fairly thin. Over time numerous shallow furrows develop.

  Adaptation:
In its native range it is known for its ability to grow in a wide range of soil types, including stony and alkaline soils.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234