Argutum Maple (Acer argutum)

Family: Aceraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Acer argutum is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetener on many foods. — The sap contains a certain amount of sugar and can either be used as a drink, or the sap can be concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water.; The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods.; The tree trunk is tapped in the early spring, the sap flowing better on warm sunny days following a frost.; The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates.

Habitat & North American Range

In cool temperate to lower subalpine forests, usually growing in moist sites at streamsides at elevations of 800 - 1900 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)