This understory tree is known for its distinctive white, vertical stripes that appear on younger bark and slowly fade to reddish brown before disappearing. Striped maple has a broad, oval, shrub-like form that adds an additional layer to shaded woodlands. It grows best in cool, shady sites with moist, well-drained soils. It doesn't tolerate drought or overly wet conditions. Shade is preferred because the roots need to be cool and the leaves will be scorched if they receive too much sun. 
 
Othere common names include snakebark maple, moosewood, goosefoot maple, and whistlewood.
 
Native habitats include rocky forests, mixed hardwood forests, mesic woodlands, and shaded northern slopes of upland valleys.
 
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 10-20' tall and up to 15' wide.
 
Prefers moist, well-drained, cool soils.
 
Prefers full to part shade.
 
Blooms April-May with minute, yellowish-green flowers.
 
Leaves turn yellow in fall.
 
Wildlife Value:
Maples are a host plant for 273 species of lepidoptera larvae, including luna, promethea, and crocus geometer moths and eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. The twigs, buds, and seeds are browsed by snowshoe hares, squirrels, porcupines, ruffed grouses, and chipmunks. Deer browse on the tree in winter.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
 
Resources:
Johnsons's Nursery: https://kb.jniplants.com/striped-maple-acer-pensylvanicum