Goosefoot Maple

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15 - 20 Feet

Mature Spread

12 - 20 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Goosefoot Maple is a North American native understory tree that is not only beneficial for wildlife but also has ornamental value four seasons of the year. Acer pensylvanicum, also commonly called the Snakebark or Striped Maple, hosts many species of wildlife in the Northeastern section of the United States. The rounded goosefoot shape of the deciduous foliage is large and provides shade and food for mammals, moths, and other beneficial pollinators. In the fall, the foliage turns a luminous shade of yellow. The striped bark becomes less pronounced as the tree ages, turning a reddish or cinnamon brown, providing an interesting texture to the winter garden when planted alongside broadleaf and conifer evergreens.  

Goosefoot Maple has a narrow native range, although it can be successfully naturalized in gardens from USDA zones 3a-7b. This tree can be grown as a multistemmed shrub that stays below 10 feet tall, making it a good choice to naturalize in smaller gardens. As a standard tree, Goosefoot Maple rarely reaches past 20 feet tall. Goosefoot Maple is often found growing near streams and rivers in shaded woodlands and will tolerate densely shaded locations, particularly in the upper end of its hardiness range. Goosefoot Maple is quick to recover from wildlife foraging, which is one reason why Goosefoot Maple is often found in shrub form and not as a tree. 

Goosefoot Maple Care

Plant Goosefoot Maple in a location with well-draining soil that retains moisture. Part shade to dense shade is ideal and results in the best foliage color; full sun tends to sunburn and bleach the delicate foliage and bark. This tree grows well in average soil with a slightly acidic pH. No supplemental fertilizing is necessary. Each spring apply a thick ring of organic material such as compost, shredded leaves, or finely shredded arborist chips to reduce water loss. Installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses at the time of planting makes watering easier and more efficient.

Although Goosefoot Maple naturally grows as an upright tree, it can be kept to a manageable shrub shape with simple pruning techniques. Cut back the ends of branches annually to keep the top growth bushy and dense. Regular browsing by deer or even moose in some areas is another way this tree stays short. Clean up any browsed branches by cutting just below the damage to reduce the risk of future infections. The best time to prune is in late winter before any new growth begins and after the danger of a hard freeze has passed. 

Goosefoot Maple Spacing

The height and spread of Goosefoot Maple range between 10-20 feet depending on pruning practices. Space plants 12-16 feet apart when planting alongside other shrubs or trees. Shallow-rooted perennials can be placed 12-16 inches from the base of the tree.

SKU:

1231010247-pc