Plant Database

Other Names:  Striped Maple, Snakebark Maple

Description:

A small native tree with unusual green and white striped bark, not commonly found in home landscapes yet very delicate and refined; a rather fussy understory tree best suited for natural situations

Ornamental Features

Moosewood has emerald green deciduous foliage which emerges pink in spring on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The lobed leaves turn outstanding shades of yellow and gold in the fall. The mottled green bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Moosewood is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Moosewood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Moosewood will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for sandy, acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America.