Knowledgebase
Acer glabrum vs Acer grandidentatum #404901
Asked June 05, 2017, 5:54 PM EDT
Secondly... What is the nursery's responsibility to sell me a plant that is labeled correctly? I don't want extra hassle. I just want the right plant.
Thank you!
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
At the size you are purchasing the tree, the easiest way to distinguish between Acer glabrum vs. Acer grandidentatum would be the leaves or the twigs of the new growth. A photo of each is attached, and some general information below with a link to more detailed information.
Acer glabrum
Rocky Mountain Maple
Leaves are palmate with 3 lobes separated by very narrow gaps and hairless surface. Bark is thin, grayish red-brown, mostly smooth. New twigs are green, then turning to a purplish young stems, maturing to gray.
Acer grandidentatum
Bigtooth Maple
Leaves are 3-5 palmate lobes with a few blunt-tipped teeth on the margins. Bark is thin, dark brown and develops plate-like scales when mature. New twigs are bright red-brown, graying with age.
For additional images, identification, and information, see this link: https://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/1plants.htm#acer
Correctly identify which tree you purchased first. If it was indeed mislabeled, contact the nursery's owner/manager directly to determine how to best rectify the situation.