Maple, Striped

Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum)

Striped maple brings a small-tree layer to cool, shaded woodland gardens. Young trunks carry white lines over green bark, and the broad leaves turn yellow in autumn. The bark pattern becomes less distinct as stems age.

Key Characteristics

Browse and a Woodland Food Web

This maple is browsed by woodland mammals, and its flowers offer forage to bees. Maple leaves can feed imperial moth caterpillars. In a layered planting, its low crown adds cover between ground plants and taller forest trees; protect newly planted stock where deer browsing is heavy.

Useful Wood at a Small Scale

The fine-grained wood has been used for inlay, and branch sections can be made into whistles. Those small-scale uses fit the tree better than expecting a large timber or orchard crop. Hanging chains of winged samaras follow the spring flowers.

Choose the Cool Side of the Garden

Partial to deep shade and moist, well-drained, acidic soil are a good fit. It is adapted to cooler forests and can struggle in hot southern sites; exposed afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Use it below a high canopy or on a sheltered woodland edge, with consistent moisture through establishment.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern North America, including Appalachian mountain forests.
• Sun: Partial to full shade.
• Soil: Moist, acidic and well-drained; medium moisture.
• Mature height: Commonly about 15–30 feet, occasionally taller.
• Bloom: Greenish-yellow hanging flowers, generally April–May; later on cool sites.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7.
• Fruit: Winged samaras in hanging chains.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Water the root ball thoroughly at planting, keep mulch away from the trunk or crown, and water through dry spells while roots establish. Check for circling roots before planting and protect the root zone from mowing damage.