Habitat

• native to eastern United States and adjacent Canada
• zone 3
• typical grows as an understory tree in wooded areas

Habit and Form

• a small tree, typically 15' to 20' or taller
• develops a broad, uneven, flat-topped or rounded crown. Often irregular and open
• texture is medium to coarse
• often shrub like in the forest

Summer Foliage

• opposite, 3-lobed at apex
• 5" to 7" long and wide
• bright green

Autumn Foliage

• striking clear yellow; showy

Flowers

• yellow in pendulous chains
• in May

Fruit

• long samaras in pendulous chains

Bark

• young branches longitudinally striped white or green
• showy

Culture

• requires partial shade
• requires cool, moist, slightly acidic soil
• intolerant of pollution, drought, heat

Landscape Uses

• naturalistic planting
• along edge of woods
• specimen (in shade)

Liabilities

• not well suited to typical conditions of cultivation
• don't use unless an appropriate growing site exists
• susceptible to mower injury
• susceptible to canker under stress

ID Features

• terminal bud absent or present
• buds are purplish red and stalked with valvate scales
• striped bark

Propagation

• by seed

Cultivars/Varieties

'Erythrocladum' - An attractive selection that, though difficult to propagate, is available from specialty nurseries and seen in gardens. Young stems assume a bright red coloration after the leaves fall. The effect is very attractive coupled with the white stem striations, making this plant a fine choice for winter interest.