Moose Maple
Acer spicatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Acer spicatum (Moose Maple) is a native deciduous tree found throughout eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This shade-tolerant maple blooms in May and June, attracting bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Moose Maple as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, GA, IA and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Moose maple is a small native tree with attractive palmate leaves and yellowish-green flower clusters in late spring. This understory species naturally develops a multi-stemmed form and provides excellent fall color in shades of yellow to orange-red.
Growing Moose Maple
Grow Moose Maple in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Moose 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.
- Multi-stemmed growth appears informal and shrub-like
- Large mature size may overwhelm smaller residential lots
- Understory nature makes it look less refined than typical landscape trees
Wildlife value
Host plant for Rosy maple moth, Cecropia moth.
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, while the foliage serves as browse for wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Moose Maple naturally grow?
- Moose Maple is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Iowa. It grows in 24 states across this region.
- When does Acer spicatum bloom?
- Moose Maple blooms in late spring, typically during May and June. The flowers attract various pollinators including bees and beetles.
- What growing conditions does Moose Maple prefer?
- This maple thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions with medium to high moisture levels. It is well-adapted to understory environments in deciduous forests.
- What pollinators visit Moose Maple flowers?
- Moose Maple flowers are visited by bees and beetles, which help with pollination during the May and June blooming period.
- Is Moose Maple toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Moose Maple as toxic to livestock.
- Is Moose Maple HOA-friendly?
- Moose 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 Moose Maple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz