Bigtooth Maple

acer grandidentatum

The Bigtooth Maple, also known as the canyon maple, is a stunning deciduous tree native to the interior highlands and canyons of western North America. Renowned for its spectacular autumn display, this tree lights up rugged rocky landscapes with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, bringing a taste of classic autumn colors to the arid American West. It is closely related to the sugar maple, and like its eastern cousin, its sap can be tapped to make sweet syrup. Growing slowly but steadily in well-drained, alkaline soils, the Bigtooth Maple provides crucial cover and sustenance for various montane wildlife. Its leaves, twigs, and seeds feed local birds and mammals, while its dense canopy offers shade and nesting sites in dry canyon environments.

Habitat: Typically found in moist canyons, ravines, and mountain slopes, often alongside mountain streams in arid regions of western North America.

Appearance

The Bigtooth Maple is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing 8 to 15 meters tall, often displaying a multi-trunked growth habit in drier soils. It features characteristic three- to five-lobed leaves with large, blunt teeth that are dark green on top and pale, fuzzy underneath. In spring, it produces clusters of small, dangling yellow-green flowers. By late summer, it develops paired, winged seeds called samaras that spread at a wide angle. Its bark is thin, smooth, and grey on young trees, eventually becoming dark brown and plate-like with age.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAcer

Bigtooth Maple

Interesting facts

In autumn, canyons populated by this species create a dramatic visual contrast, often referred to as 'canyon fire' because of the intense red and orange hues.

Its sap contains a high concentration of sugar, and early pioneers and Native Americans tapped the tree to produce a sweet syrup similar to eastern sugar maple syrup.

Unlike most maples that prefer humid climates, the Bigtooth Maple is highly adapted to the alkaline soils and arid environments of the Rocky Mountains.

Special abilities

Unlike many maple species, it has adapted to thrive in semi-arid environments, utilizing deep root systems and efficient water retention strategies to survive hot, dry summers.

It undergoes a dramatic chemical change in autumn, converting sugars into anthocyanins and carotenoids to produce exceptionally bright red, orange, and yellow foliage.

It produces high-sugar sap that flows during late winter thaw cycles, allowing it to heal internal tissues and ward off freezing temperatures.

Measurements & details

Length: 800-1500 cm
Lifespan: 80-150 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, the Bigtooth Maple generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Mule deer browse on the twigs and leaves of the tree, especially during the winter months.

eaten by

American Red Squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

American red squirrels feed on the winged seeds during the late summer and autumn.

mutualism

Glomeromycete fungi

Glomeromycota

Establishes symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships with subterranean fungi to enhance water and nutrient absorption in arid soils.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Bigtooth Maple?

The easiest way to identify Bigtooth Maple is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Bigtooth Maple?

800-1500 cm

How long does Bigtooth Maple live?

80-150 years

What does Bigtooth Maple eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, the Bigtooth Maple generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.

Where is Bigtooth Maple usually found?

Typically found in moist canyons, ravines, and mountain slopes, often alongside mountain streams in arid regions of western North America.