Habitat: In a wide range of mesic to dry montane forests and woodlands; especially numerous in mixed oak, oak-hickory, and Northern Red Oak forest understories; tolerant of a range of substrate chemistries but somewhat more characteristic of acidic, infertile soils and elevations above 600 m (2000 ft). Common in the Virginia mountains; rare on foothill ridges of the
inner Piedmont.
Wildlife Value: Members of the genus Acer support Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae. Early spring source of nectar for bees. It is an important browse plant for many mammals.
Note: Short-lived
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
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.