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Acer glabrum vs Acer grandidentatum #404901

Asked June 05, 2017, 5:54 PM EDT

I just bought a tree labeled Acer glabrum which is what I've been looking for. There was some confusion at the nursery when I asked for Rocky Mtn Maple and was offered an A. grandidentatum. I specified that I wanted A. glabrum, not grandidentatum and chose a plant labeled that way. The nursery staff said there was no difference. I know that's not true, but bought one labelled A. glabrum. Now that I'm home, I think this is an A. grandidentatum. Darn it! Do you have any easy way to definitely ID it as one or the other? It will be difficult to return it---it's big and I'll need help loading it back up. 
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.

https://facilities.utah.edu/facility-operations/landscape-maintenance/tree-tour/rocky-mountain-maple...

 



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.

https://facilities.utah.edu/facility-operations/landscape-maintenance/tree-tour/bigtooth-canyon-mapl...

 



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.


Donnetta Wilhelm Colorado Master Gardener Replied June 07, 2017, 2:11 PM EDT

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