Habitat.—Thrives best in rich soil of rocky or sandy woods.
Notes.—This small maple is also called Moosewood and Goosefoot Maple, the latter name referring to the goosefoot shape of the leaf. It is not a commercially valuable species, but always attracts attention whether growing in its shady mountain habitat or on the lawn.
MOUNTAIN MAPLE
Acer spicatum, Lam.
Form.—A small tree or shrub sometimes reaching a height of 20-25 feet and a diameter of 6-10 inches.
Leaves.—Opposite, simple, 4-5 inches long, 3-lobed, coarsely serrate, the lobes taper-pointed, glabrous and dark green above, somewhat downy beneath, petioles long and slender.
Flowers.—May-June; polygamo-monoecious; small, yellow-green, arranged in upright, dense, somewhat compound racemes.
Fruit.—Early autumn; small, paired samaras, red, turning brown and drooping when mature, in racemose clusters.