How much sun does Rocky Mountain Maple need?

Rocky Mountain Maple grows best in part sun but can tolerate anywhere from full sun to part shade, depending on elevation and surrounding tree cover.

When does Rocky Mountain Maple bloom?

It typically flowers in May and June, producing small clusters of yellow green flowers before the leaves fully expand.

What insects pollinate Rocky Mountain Maple?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its flowers and serve as its primary pollinators.

How much water does Rocky Mountain Maple require?

It does best with medium moisture and is often found along streambanks and moist canyon slopes, though it can handle drier sites once established.

What is the growth habit of Rocky Mountain Maple?

It usually grows as a small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub, often forming thickets on rocky slopes and along waterways.

Is Rocky Mountain Maple toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Rocky Mountain Maple as toxic to livestock.

Is Rocky Mountain Maple HOA-friendly?

Rocky Mountain Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Rocky Mountain Maple

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acer glabrum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Acer glabrum, or Rocky Mountain Maple, is a small deciduous tree that blooms in May and June and grows well in part sun with medium moisture, often along mountain streams and canyon slopes.

Toxicity unknown

Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Rocky Mountain Maple as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–360" H × 72"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Madrean Archipelago

Rocky mountain maple is a small to medium-sized native tree with attractive green leaves that turn brilliant yellow, orange, or red in fall. This adaptable maple grows well in partial shade and develops a rounded crown that provides excellent seasonal interest.

Growing Rocky Mountain Maple

Grow Rocky Mountain Maple in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 72 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rocky Mountain Maple is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The tree also provides nesting sites for birds and its seeds feed various wildlife species.

Common questions

How much sun does Rocky Mountain Maple need?: Rocky Mountain Maple grows best in part sun but can tolerate anywhere from full sun to part shade, depending on elevation and surrounding tree cover.
When does Rocky Mountain Maple bloom?: It typically flowers in May and June, producing small clusters of yellow green flowers before the leaves fully expand.
What insects pollinate Rocky Mountain Maple?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its flowers and serve as its primary pollinators.
How much water does Rocky Mountain Maple require?: It does best with medium moisture and is often found along streambanks and moist canyon slopes, though it can handle drier sites once established.
What is the growth habit of Rocky Mountain Maple?: It usually grows as a small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub, often forming thickets on rocky slopes and along waterways.
Is Rocky Mountain Maple toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Rocky Mountain Maple as toxic to livestock.
Is Rocky Mountain Maple HOA-friendly?: Rocky Mountain Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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