Native Bigtooth Maple

Bigtooth maple (*Acer grandidentatum*), also called canyon or Wasatch maple, is a variable western native deciduous tree. Its deeply lobed dark-green leaves provide summer shade and turn yellow, orange, or red in autumn; small spring flowers and winged samaras add quieter seasonal detail. Landscape size depends on site and provenance, so allow for a broad crown when placing it. ## Landscape use and form In Intermountain landscapes, bigtooth maple is commonly managed as a small shade tree; Utah State’s arboretum lists about 20–30 feet tall by 20–25 feet wide. Wild plants vary much more, from large shrubs to trees that can exceed those dimensions. Use it in a native or water-conserving garden, a spacious residential yard, or an open planting where the crown can develop. Forms range from single- to multi-stemmed, and the flowers are not a major display. Its main seasonal show is the foliage, with samaras adding a modest summer feature. ## Growing conditions Regional hardiness references differ: Utah State’s arboretum lists USDA Zones 3–6, while UF/IFAS lists 5A–8B. These reflect different regions and source material; favor local nursery guidance and avoid treating one range as universal. Full sun to partial shade is suitable. It performs best in deep, well-drained soil but tolerates clay, sand, loam, limestone, and a wide range of moisture conditions. Utah State describes it as adapted to low supplemental irrigation; water regularly while it establishes, then irrigate during prolonged drought according to soil and climate. Flowers are small and yellow-green, appearing in early spring. The paired samaras mature from green toward straw tones, while fall leaves may range from yellow through orange to red. See the [USU Botanical Center profile](https://extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter/trees-of-varga-arboretum/bigtooth-maple), [USU Western Native Plants guide](https://cwelwnp.usu.edu/westernnativeplants/plantlist_view.php?id=13&name=acergrandidentatum), and [UF/IFAS Extension account](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST016). ## Maintenance Low maintenance after establishment. Keep soil well drained and provide supplemental water while roots are developing. If a single trunk or clear street-tree structure is wanted, train a leader while the tree is young. Prune in late winter or late spring to reduce sap bleeding. Watch for leaf spot or root problems in poorly drained sites; Utah State reports these issues are generally not serious enough to prevent landscape use.