canyon maple (Acer grandidentatum)

Second place champion canyon maple in Denver at Regis University.

Species info:

Leaves: Palmately 3–5 lobed; 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) wide. Shape resembles a smaller sugar maple leaf. Color bright green in summer, turning vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall.

Leaflets: None (simple leaf).

Leaf Surface: Smooth and firm; upper surface medium green; underside slightly lighter.

Bark: Thin and grayish-brown when young; becomes rougher and slightly furrowed with age.

Flowers: Inconspicuous; yellow-green, appearing in spring before or with new leaves.

Fruit: Double-winged samara with wings 0.75–1.25 inches (1.9–3.2 cm) long; wings spread widely.

Botanical: Acer grandidentatum

Family: Sapindaceae

Mature Height: 25–50 feet

Canopy Spread: 20–35 feet (varies with single- or multi-stem form)

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Rounded to irregular crown; can be grown as a small single-stem tree or as a multi-stem large shrub

Growth Rate: Medium

Flower: Inconspicuous

Fruit: No ornamental value

Fall Color: Outstanding—yellow, orange, and red depending on site and climate

Water Use: Low to moderate; prefers moist soils but highly tolerant of Colorado’s dry conditions once established

Hardiness: Zones 5a–8a

Soil Preference: Very tolerant of Colorado soils; performs well in clay, alkaline, and rocky soils; prefers moist to wet soils when young

Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full sun

Wildlife Value: Provides seeds (samaras) for birds and small mammals; supports native pollinators and wildlife due to its native status

Pests/Pathogens: Generally pest resistant

Planting Recommendations: This Colorado native is exceptionally well-suited to much of western and Front Range Colorado due to its tolerance of local soils and climate.

Information Sources:

• Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990)

• Michael Kuhns, Trees of Utah and the Intermountain West (Utah State University Press, 1998)