Striped Maple
Acer pensylvanicum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Striped Maple is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. It blooms in May and June with small yellow-green flowers that attract bees.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Striped Maple as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
240"–360" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CT, GA, KY, MA and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees
Striped maple is a small native understory tree known for its distinctive green bark with white vertical stripes. It produces small yellow-green flowers in late spring and develops attractive yellow fall color, making it an excellent choice for shaded woodland gardens.
Growing Striped Maple
Grow Striped Maple in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 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
Striped Maple is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- May grow slowly and appear sparse when young
Wildlife value
Host plant for Luna moth, Rosy maple moth.
The flowers attract bees and other pollinators in May and June. The seeds and foliage provide food for various birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- Where does Striped Maple naturally grow?
- Striped Maple is native to eastern North America, found from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, growing primarily in cool, moist mountain forests and understory areas.
- When does Striped Maple bloom?
- Striped Maple produces small yellow-green flowers in drooping clusters during May and June, typically blooming before the leaves are fully developed.
- What pollinators visit Striped Maple?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of Striped Maple flowers, attracted to the nectar and pollen of the small but numerous blooms.
- What growing conditions does Striped Maple prefer?
- Striped Maple thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soils. It is well-adapted to understory conditions in cool, humid forests.
- Is Striped Maple toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Striped Maple as toxic to livestock.
- Is Striped Maple HOA-friendly?
- Striped Maple is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Striped 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