Habitat: Usually found growing in open sunlight along creeks and waterways. Locally common in the Virginia mountains and the northern Piedmont and inner part of the northern Coastal Plain from the James River north; infrequent elsewhere.
Wildlife Value: Members of the genus Acer support Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae. Adult Imperial Moths do not feed. Early spring source of nectar for bees. Seeds are eaten by squirrels, chipmunks and birds. Buds are eaten by squirrels after the seeds have sprouted.
Edibility: Sap can be used to make syrup
Notes: The wood is weak and breaks easily in storms and with snow loads.
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
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