ExplorePlants

Rocky Mountain maple

Acer glabrum

The Rocky Mountain maple is a small tree with beautiful leaves that change colors in the fall. It grows in the mountains and provides shade and food for many animals.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Rocky Mountain maple is a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub with smooth, reddish-brown to gray bark. Its deeply lobed, bright green leaves resemble currant leaves and turn vibrant yellow, orange, or red in autumn. Small, yellowish-green flowers bloom before its distinctive paired 'helicopter' seeds appear.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySapindaceaeGenusAcer
Rocky Mountain maple
deciduous trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
Rocky Mountain maple

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

High in the mountains, this tough maple often grows like a shrub, not a tall tree!

Its 'helicopter seeds' spin as they fall, letting them fly far from the parent tree!

Some Indigenous peoples used its strong wood to craft tools and bows.

Wild animals like deer and elk munch on its tasty twigs and leaves!

Special abilities

Ability

Whirlybird Seeds

Rocky Mountain maple has winged seeds that spin like tiny helicopters to travel far in the wind.

Ability

Altitude Adaptor

This maple can thrive in high mountain elevations where many other tree species struggle to grow.

Ability

Sunburn Shield

Its smooth, thick bark helps protect the tree from harsh sun and temperature changes.

Measurements & details

Height
300-900 cm
Spread
200-600 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be careful not to climb too high in trees, and always ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Rocky Mountain maple?

300-900 cm

How wide does Rocky Mountain maple spread?

200-600 cm

How big are the flowers on Rocky Mountain maple?

0.5-1 cm

When does Rocky Mountain maple bloom?

Spring

Is Rocky Mountain maple edible?

No

Is Rocky Mountain maple toxic?

None

What is Rocky Mountain maple's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Rocky Mountain maple pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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