treeN. America Native

Bigtooth Maple

Acer grandidentatum

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer grandidentatum is a deciduous small to medium tree or large multi-stemmed shrub native to mountain canyons and foothills across interior western North America. It produces a dense, rounded canopy of lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall.

Unlike eastern sugar maples, this species adapts exceptionally well to neutral to alkaline soils derived from limestone and demonstrates higher drought tolerance once established. Small, greenish-yellow flowers without petals bloom in hanging clusters alongside emerging spring foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers exceptional fall color with brilliant red, yellow, and orange foliage displays.

Serves as an alkaline- and drought-tolerant shade tree alternative to eastern maples.

Provides songbird nesting canopy and produces seeds consumed by small mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

354"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Interior Western North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or partial shade with deep, well-draining soil.
Plant at the same depth as the nursery container and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Spread a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk base.
Provide regular moisture during the first two growing seasons until the taproot system establishes.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly in late spring after leaves fully expand to prevent the heavy sap weeping that occurs with early spring cuts.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in free-draining soil to prevent root issues
Mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture
Prune in late spring to avoid heavy sap weeping

Don't

Do not overwater once established
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils
Do not prune during early spring sap flow

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeNative Woodland GardenShade TreeWindbreak or Screen

Companion Plants

Heuchera Mahonia Pinus Quercus Symphoricarpos

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bigtooth Maple questions

What zones can Bigtooth Maple grow in?

Bigtooth Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Bigtooth Maple bloom?

Bigtooth Maple typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bigtooth Maple need full sun?

Bigtooth Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bigtooth Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bigtooth Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.