Douglas Maple

A variety of Rocky Mountain maple native from southeastern Alaska through British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Typically a compact shrub or small tree to 30 feet with 3 to 5-lobed leaves, 6 to 20 cm across, shiny dark green above and blue-green below on reddish-tinged petioles. Distinguished from other varieties by shallow leaf sinuses and red twigs. Named for David Douglas, the Scottish botanist. Flowers are yellowish-green, 5 mm, in terminal clusters. Samaras are 2 to 2.5 cm, green turning pink or reddish, then light brown. Fall color spans brown, crimson, orange, and yellow.

Hardy to Zone 4a. Full sun to part shade. Easy to grow under a wide range of conditions: exposed or sheltered, wet or dry soils. Twenty diseases and fifteen pests documented. No cultivars in the trade. Multi-stemmed habit and modest size suit naturalized and restoration plantings.