Bigtooth Maple
Acer grandidentatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Bigtooth Maple is a deciduous tree native to Texas and other southwestern states, blooming from March through May. This drought-tolerant maple provides excellent fall color and attracts butterflies during its flowering period.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bigtooth Maple as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
180"–480" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, CO, ID, KS and 6 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bigtooth Maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Texas Hill Country and western regions. It produces stunning orange and red fall colors that rival eastern maples, making it a prized landscape specimen. This drought-tolerant tree thrives in rocky, alkaline soils and provides excellent shade.
Growing Bigtooth Maple
Grow Bigtooth Maple in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 480 inches tall and spread 120 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bigtooth Maple takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. The tree also provides nesting sites for birds and its seeds feed various wildlife species.
Common questions
- When does Bigtooth Maple bloom?
- Bigtooth Maple blooms from March through May, producing small flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Bigtooth Maple prefer?
- This native maple thrives in full sun to partial sun with medium to low water requirements, making it well-suited to drought conditions in its native range.
- What wildlife does Bigtooth Maple support?
- Bigtooth Maple flowers attract butterflies during the spring blooming period from March to May.
- Is Bigtooth Maple toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bigtooth Maple as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bigtooth Maple HOA-friendly?
- Bigtooth Maple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bigtooth Maple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.