Plant of the Month: Mountain Maple

When it comes to urban landscaping, mountain maples prove their worth as hardworking, resilient, and beautiful additions. Standing at heights ranging from 15 to 25 feet (~10 m), mountain maples are one of the smallest maple species, perfectly suited for tight urban spaces. Best of all, their modest size doesn’t compromise their visual impact, especially during autumn when their leaves burst into a display of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.

Mountain Maples depend on bees for pollination, with most of the maple’s spring flowers exhibiting either male or female characteristics. Bees play a vital role in facilitating the union of these male and female components, ensuring effective pollination. Honeybees, in particular, convert the nectar into honey with a taste reminiscent of clover.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Acer spicatum

Colour:

Yellow

Blooms:

Summer

Numerous beneficial beetles, such as Soldier, Long-horned, Flower Longhorn, Click, and Rove Beetles, are attracted to and utilize Mountain Maple for various ecological purposes.

Mountain maples are hardy and adaptable, thriving in various soil types and moisture levels. They are also shade-tolerant, making them versatile choices for city gardens where sunlight may be limited.

Fall, Trees

About the Author

Patricia Mosher

Patricia has 30+ years of gardening experience to help with design, planting and maintenance. She is a long-time resident of the Alta Vista area of Ottawa and has expanded her consulting practice. If you’d like to share your thoughts about this article or reach out for design and planting advice for your garden, please contact Patricia by email: OttawaPlantByNumbers@gmail.com or on Instagram: @ottawaplantbynumbers.