Origin
Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr., commonly known as Rocky Mountain maple or Douglas maple, is a species of maple tree native to western North America. It can be found in the regions of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Oregon.
Common Names
The Rocky Mountain maple is also commonly known as the Douglas maple due to its early classification as Acer douglasii Hook. It is called Nesoskue in the Blackfoot language and is also referred to as canyon maple, montane maple, and mountain maple.
Uses
The Rocky Mountain maple has been widely used by Native American tribes for various purposes. The Blackfoot people used the bark to make a strong, durable rope, while the Okanagan-Colville used the boiled sap as a sweetener. The Navajo used the wood to make musical instruments, while other tribes used the branches to make baskets and furniture.
Today, the tree is valued for its shade and ornamental qualities. Its striking dark green leaves turn to brilliant shades of orange-red in the fall, making it a popular choice for landscaping. The wood is also used for firewood and to create small wooden crafts.
General Appearance
The Rocky Mountain maple is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 30 feet tall. Its bark is smooth and gray on young trees, but becomes rough and cracked with age. The leaves are dark green, three-lobed, and range from 3 to 5 inches in size. Its flowers are small, yellow-green clusters that bloom in the spring, while its fruit consists of paired samaras up to 1 inch in length.
The tree is often found near streams and in moist, shaded mountain forests. It thrives in a range of soils, from rocky to sandy, and is highly adaptable to various growing conditions. Its hardiness and durability make it a beloved tree throughout western North America.
Growth Conditions for Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr.
Light Requirements: Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. is a shade-loving plant that thrives in partially shaded environments. It prefers areas with filtered sunlight, or areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Direct sunlight can damage its leaves and cause leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to cool temperate regions and prefers moderate temperatures. It grows well in areas with an annual average temperature range of 10°C to 25°C. It can tolerate occasional frost and snow, but temperatures below -10°C can damage its leaves and stem.
Soil Requirements: Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant grows best in sandy loam or loam soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged.
Water Requirements: Adequate water is essential for the growth and survival of Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. It requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage.
Nutrient Requirements: This plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It is important to avoid excessive fertilization, as this can lead to rapid growth and weak stems. Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure are also effective in providing the necessary nutrients.
Cultivation of Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr.
Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. is a deciduous shrub that can be grown in a wide variety of soils. However, it prefers well-draining and slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. Choose a location with partial shade or full sun, depending on the climatic conditions of the area.
Watering needs of Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr.
The water requirement of this plant varies, depending on different factors such as temperature, humidity, light, soil type, and plant growth stage. In general, the plant should be watered regularly but should not be over-watered or allowed to dry out excessively. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. As winter approaches, gradually reduce the amount of water given to the plant.
Fertilization of Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr.
The plant requires fertilization at least once a year to maintain healthy growth. Fertilize the plant in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Add the fertilizer to the soil around the plant, and then water the plant. Avoid fertilizing the plant in winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning of Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and promote healthy growth. Prune Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Use a sharp pruning tool to cut back branches selectively, aiming for an even balance of growth. Be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant's total branches in one pass to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation of Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr.
Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds collected in the fall from mature trees can be stratified in a moist medium for 90-120 days at 34-41 °F. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a greenhouse or cold frame until germination occurs, which typically takes several weeks. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers and grown for one growing season before being planted in their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Acer glabrum Torr. var. parviflorum E. Murr. can also be propagated through softwood or hardwood cuttings. For softwood cuttings, take 6-8 inch cuttings from the current season's growth in the early summer and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and place in a humid environment until roots form, which typically takes several weeks. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the late fall or early winter after the leaves have fallen. Cut 8-10 inch sections of the previous season's growth, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert into a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a sheltered location outdoors and allow it to overwinter before moving to a greenhouse or cold frame in the spring.
Disease and Pest Management for Acer glabrum Torr. var. Parviflorum E. Murr.
Acer glabrum Torr. var. Parviflorum E. Murr., commonly known as Rocky Mountain maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to western North America and grown for its ornamental value. However, like any other plants, Rocky Mountain maple is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may affect its overall health and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Rocky Mountain maple can be affected by several diseases, including:
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of many plants, including Rocky Mountain maple. The first symptoms include yellowing of leaves and wilting of branches. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the area should be disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown lesions on the leaves of Rocky Mountain maple. The disease spreads rapidly during wet and warm weather conditions. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Canker
Canker is a fungal disease that affects the bark of Rocky Mountain maple, causing it to crack and ooze sap. The infected branches should be pruned and disposed of, and the cuts should be disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Rocky Mountain maple can also be affected by several pests, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the leaves of Rocky Mountain maple, causing them to curl and distort. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil and improve the overall health of the plant by providing adequate water and nutrients.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webs on the leaves of Rocky Mountain maple and suck the sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the branches of Rocky Mountain maple and suck the sap out of them, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. To control scale insects, prune infected branches and apply dormant oil during the winter to suffocate the pests.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any signs of diseases and pests early. Removing infected/infested parts of the plant and proper disposal can help prevent the spread of the disease and pest to other plants. Additionally, maintaining overall plant health by providing adequate nutrients and water can strengthen the plant's resistance to pests and diseases.
