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(Acer leucoderme)
Chalk Maple (Acer leucoderme)
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pufferchung
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: pufferchung | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 | Uploader: MPF | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Acer leucoderme, commonly known as Chalk Maple, is a small deciduous tree that is native to the understory of upland forests and bluffs in the southeastern United States. It typically reaches a height of 8–9 meters and develops a round form with slender branches, often featuring multiple trunks. The common name "Chalk Maple" and the Latin name, meaning "white skin," refer to the tree’s attractive, smooth, thin, chalky white or light gray bark on mature trees, which becomes ridged and blackish at the base with age. The leaves of the Chalk Maple provide a stunning autumn display, transitioning from brilliant yellow to orange to deep red.
Chalk Maple is valued for its adaptability to warmer and drier climates, making it suitable for urban planting, especially given its tolerance for less fertile soils. It can serve as a shade tree or be used in reclamation projects. It is hardy up to USDA plant hardiness zone 5B, which extends far north of its natural range. The tree is highly shade- and drought-tolerant, although it thrives best in full sun to part shade with high amounts of water and well-drained soils. Despite its drought tolerance, consistent moisture will produce the best growth results.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chalk Maple is valued for its adaptability to warmer and drier climates, making it suitable for urban planting, especially given its tolerance for less fertile soils. It can serve as a shade tree or be used in reclamation projects. It is hardy up to USDA plant hardiness zone 5B, which extends far north of its natural range. The tree is highly shade- and drought-tolerant, although it thrives best in full sun to part shade with high amounts of water and well-drained soils. Despite its drought tolerance, consistent moisture will produce the best growth results.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 25-30 feet
- Width: 15-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Understory of upland forests and bluffs in the southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Whitebark Maple, Pale-Bark Maple
Scientific Names: , Acer leucoderme, Acer saccharum var. leucoderme, Acer saccharum subsp. leucoderme, Saccharodendron leucoderme, Acer floridanum var. acuminatum, Acer nigrum var. leucoderme, Acer saccharum var. acuminatum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Acer leucoderme Small