treeN. America Native

Striped maple

Acer pensylvanicum

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer pensylvanicum, the striped maple, is a deciduous understory tree native to the cool, moist forests of eastern North America. It is characterized by smooth green bark marked with conspicuous vertical white stripes on young stems, which eventually matures to a reddish-brown.

The large, three-lobed leaves resemble a goosefoot, emerging with pink tones in spring before turning dark green in summer and bright yellow in fall. Small, greenish-yellow flowers hang in drooping racemes up to six inches long before developing into winged samaras.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking white-striped green bark provides year-round interest, complemented by bright yellow fall foliage.

Functions well as a small-scale understory tree for cool, shaded gardens where larger trees cast dense shade.

Flowers provide nectar for native bees, and the foliage serves as a food source for native herbivores.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Short to moderate

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with moist, well-drained, organically rich sandy loam in partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone to retain moisture and mimic a forest floor, keeping the mulch clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly in late fall to mid-winter; pruning during the spring or summer active growth periods causes severe sap bleeding that weakens the tree.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during hot summer spells.
Provide afternoon shade in warmer zones to prevent leaf scorch.
Apply organic mulch annually to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, compacted, or poorly drained clay soils.
Do not prune in spring or summer when sap flows heavily.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as the root system is highly sensitive to drought.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understory plantingSpecimen treeShade gardenNaturalized woodland garden

Companion Plants

Heuchera Polystichum Tiarella Cornus alternifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Striped maple questions

What zones can Striped maple grow in?

Striped maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Striped maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Striped maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Striped maple bloom?

Striped 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 Striped maple need full sun?

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