Origin
Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller, commonly known as Rocky Mountain maple, is a native plant to western North America. It can be found in areas of Canada, the United States (mainly in the western states), and Mexico.
Common Names
Rocky Mountain maple has several common names, including Douglas maple, Oregon maple, and dwarf maple.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and sap of Rocky Mountain maple have been used medicinally by indigenous people. The bark was used as a poultice to treat wounds, while the sap was boiled down to make a syrup to treat coughs and colds. The leaves were brewed into a tea to treat stomach ailments and diarrhea.
Rocky Mountain maple is also popular for landscaping purposes due to its small size and attractive fall foliage. It is often used as a hedge or border plant and can also be grown in containers.
General Appearance
Rocky Mountain maple is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 20 feet tall. It has a multi-stemmed growth habit and produces a dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are lobed and have a bright green color in the summer, turning to shades of orange, yellow, and red in the fall. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring and small, winged fruits called samaras in the summer. The bark of Rocky Mountain maple is smooth, gray, and has a striped appearance.
Light Requirements
Acer glabrum var. typicum grows well in full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers more shade in hot climates and more sun in cooler climates. Too much sun may cause leaf burn, while too little sun results in sparse foliage.
Temperature Requirements
Acer glabrum var. typicum grows well in cool to temperate climates. The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 7, where winter temperatures can drop to -40°F (-40°C). Spring frost may damage new growth, so planting in a frost-free period is recommended. Summer temperatures should not exceed 75°F (24°C) for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
Acer glabrum var. typicum prefers well-draining, moist, and slightly acidic soils. The plant grows best in soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0, but it can tolerate soils with a pH up to 8.0. The plant is tolerant of different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils, as long as they are not waterlogged and have good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
The Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller, also known as the Rocky Mountain maple, is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It prefers to be planted in areas that receive partial shade to full sun exposure. When planting, make sure to leave enough space for the shrub to reach its mature size. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Watering Needs
The Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, make sure not to overwater the shrub, as it can lead to root rot. Test the soil moisture level with your finger, and water the shrub when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the hot summer months, the shrub may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller in the spring before the new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically formulated for shrubs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods. Avoid fertilizing the shrub in the fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Pruning
To maintain the shape and size of the shrub, prune the Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller during the winter months while it is dormant. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make a clean cut just above a leaf node. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, remove any branches that cross each other or rub against each other, as they can create wounds that can lead to disease. Prune the shrub lightly to encourage new growth for the following season.
Propagation methods for Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller
Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain maple, can be propagated using different techniques, including seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum is through seeds. Seed collection should be done in late fall when the fruits are mature and turning brown. After collection, the seeds can be immediately sown in a seedbed or stored in a cool, dry place until spring. Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified for 60-90 days at 33-41°F to break their dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture in a seedbed or individual pots. Keep the soil moist and place the seedbeds in a partially shaded area. Germination can take place within 1-4 months, depending on the environmental conditions.
Cuttings
Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer. Select healthy stems that are about 6-8 inches long and cut them from the parent plant. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder before inserting them into a rooting medium. The rooting medium can be a mixture of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss in equal parts. Keep the cuttings moist and in a partially shaded area. Rooting can take place within 4-8 weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready for outdoor planting.
Layering
Another propagation method for Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum is layering. This technique involves bending a low, flexible stem of the plant down to the ground, wounding it, and covering it with soil. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form from the wounded area. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. Layering is typically done in late spring or early summer.
Disease Management:
Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller is susceptible to several diseases but the most common ones include:
- Canker disease: It is caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria spp. and it results in necrotic lesions on the stem and branches. It can be managed by removing the infected branches and spraying with fungicides.
- Leaf spot: It is caused by several fungi including Phyllosticta spp. and Rhytisma spp. The symptoms include circular spots on leaves, which can merge and cause early leaf drop. It can be managed by removing and disposing of infected leaves and spraying with fungicides.
- Verticillium wilt: It is caused by the fungus Verticillium spp. and results in wilting and death of branches. It can be managed by pruning the infected branches and avoiding planting the tree in areas with previous incidences of the disease.
Pest Management:
Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller can also be attacked by several pests including:
- Gall mites: These are microscopic pests that cause deformities on leaves and stems. They can be managed by pruning and destroying infected plant parts.
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that feed on sap from leaves and stems leading to curling and yellowing of leaves. They can be managed by spraying with insecticides or using natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Scales: These are insects that suck sap from leaves and stems resulting in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be managed by pruning and destroying infected plant parts or using insecticides.
Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of diseases or pests and taking immediate measures to manage them is the best way to ensure healthy growth and development of Acer glabrum Torr. var. typicum (Wesmael) Keller.
