Mountain Maple
Acer spicatum
Family Aceraceae

Characteristics:
* Leaves opposite, with three short, broad, saw-toothed lobes. Light green and hairless above; hairy beneath, turning red or orange in autumn. 2 1/2-4 1/2" long and wide.
* Fruits flat, winged seed pairs that form slightly acute angles, clustered on slender stalks and spinning to the ground in autumn. 3/4-1" long.
* Mountain maples grow to be shrubs or small trees, with slender, upright branches and no stripes on the bark.
* Height: To 25'.

Natural History:
* Habitat: Moist, rocky forests, especially in the mountains.
* Range: Southeastern Canada and northeastern United States.
* Native.

Connections!
* Mountain maple is also called "Moose Maple," because moose, as well as deer, beavers, and rabbits, like to browse on its bark.

* Acer spicatum is Latin for "spiked maple," referring to the spikelike clusters of winged seeds.