Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) is a stunning, deciduous tree native to most counties in Utah that features a rounded canopy and distinctive, toothed leaves that provide shade during warmer months. Its deep green foliage transitions to a fiery array of colors in autumn, contrasting nicely with it's dark bark. This tree brings both beauty and seasonal interest to any garden or landscape, without the iron cholorosis common to so many other nonnative maples in Utah's alkaline soil. Althought Bigtooth Maple has been observed to get up to 30-50 feet in height, 15-25' is far more common, especially in landscape settings. This tree is slower growing and the straight species on its own rootstock is rare and hard to find, but using the straight species reduces the likelihood of iron issues and maximizes the drought tolerance, adaptability, and ecosystem benefits of Bigtooth. Plant this beautiful native maple as a specimen in garden beds, woodland or shade gardens, privacy plantings, windbreaks, etc. Bigtooth Maple is extremely drought tolerant and can usually thrive with no supplemental irrigation after it has been well established and irrigated for a few years. It is tolerant of urban pollution and appropriate for city sites. Please note that nursery specimens can be very variable in height and appearance, even when the same age and caliper size. This may be a plant that is best to select in person.
Photo Credit: John Fowler and WLCutler
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April
Bigtooth Maple
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish) or Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 30' tall and 12-15' wide
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Sun, or Full Shade
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Will do best in well-drained sandy or loam soils.
Plants in the Acer genus are known host plants for 86 pollinators in northern Utah. Maples are also excellent habitat for birds and small animals, many of whom eat the seeds.