Striped Maple

Acer pensylvanicum
Sapindaceae
A small understory tree with distinctive striped bark. In cultivation, may be confused with similar Asian species, Snakebark maples.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Very Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Early source of nectar; moth/butterfly host; bat roosting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 7
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
273
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight or dappled shade all day
Maximum Height
Small (15-40 ft)
Growth Rate
Slow: 1 ft or less per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Verticillium wilt
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
10
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Rare
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Lake
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern