Maritime Arboretum Seed Striped Maple

Latin name: Acer pensylvanicum L.

Striped Maple is a beautiful, shade-tolerant native woodland tree valued for its distinctive green-and-white striped bark and attractive foliage. It is well suited to cool, moist, partially shaded locations and makes an excellent ornamental tree for naturalized and woodland gardens.

Approximate Maximum Height: 10 m
Climate Zone(s): 2 to 8
About the Seeds: Not De-Winged

Lighting: Partial shade to full shade. Striped Maple grows naturally beneath forest canopies and performs best in moderate, filtered light. Young seedlings should be protected from strong direct sunlight.

Germination: Seeds require cold, moist stratification before sowing. Soak seeds in water for 24-48 hours, then keep them in a moist growing medium at approximately 1-5°C (34-41°F) for about 3-4 months. After stratification, sow approximately 1 cm (3/8") deep and keep at cool spring-like temperatures. Germination may be slow and irregular.

Watering: Keep the seed-starting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout stratification and germination. Do not allow the seeds or young seedlings to dry out. Once established, provide regular moisture, particularly during dry periods.

Photo Courtesy of Maritime Arboretum Ltd.