Mountain maple (Acer spicatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.5 meters) and spreads to a width of about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters). However, the size of mountain maple can vary depending on various factors such as growing conditions, climate, and available space.
In optimum growing conditions, mountain maple can achieve its maximum height and width within several decades. The growth rate of mountain maple is relatively slow, with an average increase of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) per year. It typically forms a multi-stemmed, densely branched shrub or small tree with a rounded or irregular crown.
The trunk of mountain maple is usually slender, with a diameter ranging from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters). The bark is smooth and grayish-brown when young, but it becomes rough and develops shallow furrows as the tree ages.
The leaves of mountain maple are palmately lobed, meaning they have multiple lobes radiating from a central point. Each leaf consists of three to five lobes, with serrated margins. The leaf size ranges from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length and width. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is paler with fine hairs.
Mountain maple produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in clusters called racemes during late spring or early summer. The flowers are followed by samaras, which are paired winged seeds that resemble helicopter blades. These samaras are about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long and mature in late summer or early fall.
Overall, mountain maple is a relatively small-sized tree or shrub, making it a suitable choice for smaller landscapes or gardens. Its size, growth rate, and attractive foliage make it an appealing option for adding ornamental value to naturalized areas, woodland gardens, or as an understory plant in larger forested areas.
Tape Measure Tug-of-War: A Squirrel’s Surprise Triumph in Tree Measurement
Have you ever tried to measure a tree? It’s quite the adventure! One sunny afternoon, armed with a tape measure and a determined spirit, I decided to measure the size of a mountain maple tree in my backyard.
As I stood there, my trusty tape measure in hand, I realized I was not the only one interested in my little project. A mischievous squirrel, who I swear was the same one that started my maple obsession, decided to join in on the fun.
As I extended my tape measure towards the tree, the pesky squirrel swooped down from one of the branches and grabbed hold of the end of the tape. In an instant, I was engaged in a hilarious tug of war with a squirrel!
The battle continued as the squirrel tugged on the tape, bouncing up and down as if laughing at my attempts to measure the tree. It was a comical sight, me, a maple tree enthusiast, wrestling a squirrel for control of a tape measure.
Finally, the squirrel gave up, dropping the end of the tape and scurrying away, victorious. I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head in admiration for the squirrel’s determination.
In the end, I may not have been able to measure the size of the mountain maple that day, but I gained an amusing memory and a reminder that nature always has its own agenda. Sometimes, you just have to sit back, enjoy the show, and let the trees leave you laughing.