Big-Tooth Maple
Acer saccharum grandidentatum
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Pl. 0EC2 — Acer saccharum grandidentatum
Acer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatumAcer saccharum grandidentatum
IOverview
Overview
Big-Tooth Maple (Acer saccharum grandidentatum) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Known for its edible inner bark, sap, and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light to partial shade. It can grow up to 12 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, from sandy to clay, with a pH range of 3.7 to 7.9. Its distinctive feature lies in the large, serrated teeth on its leaves, setting it apart from other maple species.
Quick answers
What is Big-Tooth Maple?
Big-Tooth Maple (Acer saccharum grandidentatum) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Known for its edible inner bark, sap, and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Big-Tooth Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate through seed. The inner bark and sap are edible parts of the plant, while seeds can also be consumed.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
12.0 m tall
Soil pH
3.7–7.9
For first-time growers
How to grow Big-Tooth Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Big-Tooth Maple for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Big-Tooth Maple sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well; mix in compost if needed. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground or a large container. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulch, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkSapSeed
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Fire starterPreservativeLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 26 native· 2 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Poland
Asia2 regions
native (1)Georgia
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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