Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) · Species Notes

Restoration Role

Specialty tree. Bigtooth Maple is included for shaded draws, north-facing microsites, seasonal color, and ecological diversity.

Site Suitability

PrimaryShaded draws, north-facing slopes, protected canyon-like microsites

SecondaryRiver high terrace shade pockets

AvoidExposed upland prairie, hot south-facing slopes, wet clay

SoilsProtected SeC/RuB/SuB microsites with shade and drainage

HydrologyCool, protected, moderate moisture

Propagation & Care

Seed collectionCollect mature samaras in late summer to fall.

StratificationCold stratification 90–120 days.

PropagationSow shallowly after stratification.

Container progressionSeed → D40 → Field planting.

Nursery wateringConsistent moisture but not saturated.

LightPart shade / bright indirect. Avoid heat stress.

OutplantingBest age 12–24 months. Plant November–February into a protected microsite.

Establishment Watering

Year 1: 10 gallons every 7–10 days during dry heat.
Year 2: 10–15 gallons every 2–3 weeks if dry.
Year 3: drought support in summer.

Field notesProvenance: out-of-range planting. The property holds a deep, shaded, spring-fed crevasse — the protected-canyon microsite this relict species requires — so the habitat match is strong here, but this is a horticultural argument, not a nativity claim. Browse pressure is High: deer browsing is a documented major cause of decline (UTSA bigtooth research; Lost Maples exclosures), so cage young trees rather than relying on generic protection. Do not treat as a prairie tree. This is a microclimate species.