Rock Maple
Acer glabrumfam. Sapindaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 69BF — Acer glabrum
Acer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrumAcer glabrum
IOverview
Overview
Rock Maple (Acer glabrum) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Sapindaceae family and can be found in various regions including Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northeast, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon. Known for its edible inner bark, leaves, seeds, and shoots, this plant thrives in light to partial sun with moist conditions and prefers soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Its hardiness ranges from zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow up to 9 meters tall, while another notable characteristic is its documented medicinal use.
Quick answers
What is Rock Maple?
Rock Maple (Acer glabrum) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Sapindaceae family and can be found in various regions including Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northeast, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rock Maple thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-8 and can grow up to 9 meters tall, making it a shrub or small tree. Propagate through seed or inner bark. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 5.8 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-8
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
9.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.8–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Rock Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Rock Maple in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Rock Maple saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.8–7.5; loosen the topsoil if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings into prepared ground, ensuring roots are spread out and cover with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells, prune any dead or damaged branches as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any weak or diseased branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:ContainersFiberFire starterPreservativeLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 18 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northeast, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon, British Columbia
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 69bf8723-96e4-45ca-815d-49e1336dbac0
Decision aid
Choosing between Rock Maple and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.