Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25', 25-40'

 

Flower Color

Green

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Multi-trunk Tree

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Shrub Border, Parking Strip

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Shade Tree, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

This Utah native is an attractive tree well suited to our urban landscape. It grows 20 to 30 feet tall and about 20 to 25 feet wide. Large dark green leaves have 3 to 5 rounded lobes, and leaves turn yellow, orange, or red in autumn. Inconspictuous light green flowers in spring are followed by small reddish-tan sumara (those little helicopters). Bark is grayish with plate-like scales. Use as a large shrub or small tree; ideal as a patio tree or for screening.

Grow in full sun, though it will tolerate part shade. Good drainage is a must, and otherwise is unparticular about soil. Water regularly to establish, and then only periodically. Prune selectively to shape or raise canopy, but avoid shearing as that will result is weak, twiggy growth. It tolerates soil higher in pH than other maples, and needs little water once established. There are some lovely specimens at the Greater Avenues Water Conservation Demonstration Garden - and after a few years of establishment watering they are now rarely irrigated.