Bigtooth Maple (Canyon Maple)

Acer grandidentatum

Leaves: Deciduous. Leaves are 2 to 5 inches wide and long with 3 to 5 lobes, which sometimes have smaller lobes or teeth off of the leaf edge. Bright green color. Good bright orange-red to red fall color.

Bark/Twigs: Gray brown bark, shallowly furrowed.

Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous yellow flowers bloom in small clusters during late spring. U-shaped seeds are 1 inch long, wings spread slightly.

Mature size and shape: Small to medium. 20 to 30 feet high x 20 feet wide. Rounded shape, somewhat irregular. Sometimes has multiple stems. Like a sugar maple but shrubbier or smaller.

General information/special features: Native to Utah and can withstand some drought. Plant in full sun to light shade. Withstands high soil pH.

Landscape use and maintenance: Good in groups or as individual specimen. Slow growing rate. Average maintenance. Seeds can be messy.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7

Family/Origin: Aceraceae – Maple. Native from southern Idaho south to Mexico and east to Texas, including much of Utah in mountainous locations.  This is the common maple that gives Utah foothill and mountain locations their outstanding fall color.

Campus Use: Somewhat common. Can be found west of William Stewart Building (Bld 6) and west side of Languages & Communications (Bld 49).