Rocky Mountain Maple
It is a temperate plant. It occurs in mountains from 1500-2000 m altitude in the Rocky Mountains in the USA. They need a moist well drained soil. They prefer a sunny position but can tolerate some shade. They can grow in a range of soils and soil pH's. They can tolerate cold to - 25°C. It needs cold conditions to thrive. They often grow along stream banks. It suits hardiness zones 4-7.
Also known as:
California mountain maple, Douglas maple, Rock maple
Synonyms
- Possibly Acer glabrum var. douglasii
- Acer neo-mexicanum Greene
Edible Portion
- Seeds, Leaves, Bark
Where does Rocky Mountain Maple grow?
Found in: Alaska, Britain, Canada, North America, United States
Notes: There are about 120-150 Acer species.
Status: The bark is an emergency food only.
Growing Rocky Mountain Maple
Cultivation: Plants are easily grown from seed. Seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours then kept cold at 0-8°C for 2-4 months to assist them to grown. Seed can be sown fresh if green seeds are used. Seed should be grown in a nursery then transplanted. Cuttings or layering can be used.
Edible Uses: The young shoot are cooked and eaten. The dried crushed leaves have been used as a spice. The seed are boiled and eaten after the wings have been removed. The inner bark is dried and ground into flour then used in soups to thicken them.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Leaves | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Bark | - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2:172. 1828
Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 62
Farrar, J.L., 1995, Trees of the Northern United States and Canada. Iowa State University press/Ames p 152
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
MacKinnon, A., et al, 2009, Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine. p 66