Bigtooth Maple

(Acer grandidentatum)

Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Acer grandidentatum, commonly known as Bigtooth Maple, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to canyon bottoms, mountain slopes, and plateaus of the western-central United States, extending into Mexico. It typically reaches a height of 10–15 meters (33–49 feet) with a trunk diameter of 20–35 centimeters (8–14 inches). The bark is dark brown to gray, characterized by narrow fissures and flat ridges that form plate-like scales, and is relatively thin, making it susceptible to damage. The leaves of Bigtooth Maple are its most distinctive feature, with large, deeply lobed leaves resembling those of the Sugar Maple, turning a brilliant golden yellow to red in the autumn, although the fall color can be less reliable in warmer climates. The inconspicuous yellow-green flowers, which lack petals, emerge alongside the foliage in mid-spring.

Bigtooth Maple is valued for its drought tolerance and adaptability to rocky landscapes, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is occasionally used as an ornamental tree in residential gardens, parks, and public spaces, where its fall coloration can be quite striking. For successful cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. While it is not commonly available in the nursery trade, it is a desirable species for native plant enthusiasts and those looking to create a low-water-use landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 30-50 feet
  • Width: 20-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Canyon bottoms, mountain slopes, and plateaus in the western-central United States and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Western Mountain Sugar Maple, Rocky Mountain Sugar Maple, Canyon Maple, Western Sugar Maple, Wasatch Maple, Sabinal Maple, Uvalde Bigtooth Maple, Big-Toothed Maple

Scientific Names: , Acer grandidentatum, Acer grandidentatum var. grandidentatum, Acer saccharum subsp. grandidentatum, Acer saccharum var. grandidentatum, Acer saccharum subsp. brachypterum, Acer barbatum var. grandidentatum, Acer grandidentatum var. sinusom, Acer nigrum var. grandidentatum, Acer saccharum var. brachypterum

GBIF Accepted Name: Acer grandidentatum Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray