Acer grandidentatum Nutt. Commonly known as Bigtooth maple Family: Aceraceae
Ecological features: Perennial. Deciduous broadleaved shrub or small tree with a spreading, rounded crown. Its height will average about 35 feet and the diameter averages 9 inches at maturity. Reproduces by wind-carried seeds contained in winged samaras. Flowers are small, yellowish, and found in clusters appearing in early spring. Bigtooth maple usually only flowers every 2-3 years. Fruits are typical double samaras, characteristic of maples. Two seeds are attached together at one end with extended wings projecting from opposite ends. The leaves arise from the twigs in opposing pairs. The general shape of the leaf is nearly round, about 4 inches in diameter with several blunt teeth around the edges. The leaf is characterized by 3, sometimes 5, lobes that fan out from the point of attachment to the leaf stalk. Young twigs are slender, bright red to greenish-brown, and smooth. Older twigs are gray. Buds are reddish-colored and grow in clusters. Bark is thin with shallow furrows and grayish flat-topped ridges. The wood is hard, heavy, and light brown. Geographic/Elevational distribution: Bigtooth maple is native to North America. It is abundant in canyon bottoms, draws, and moist mountain sites, but can also be found in dryer areas. It is generally found between 4,500 and 7,500 feet elevation in north and central Utah. Interesting Ecological facts: Bigtooth maple can be found on many soil types. It is intolerant of prolonged flooding and saline or alkaline soils. It is most often found on silty loams with a medium to rocky soil texture.
Biology 5460 Fall 2010 J. Sung Online Vegetation Manual