Overview
Acer glabrum is a bushy shrubs in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acer glabrum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural.
About
Acer glabrum is a species of maple native to western North America, from southeastern Alaska, British Columbia and western Alberta, east to western Nebraska, and south through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Colorado to California, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for architectural. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Japanese maples prefer partial shade and protection from cold, drying winds. See acer cultivation.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Acer glabrum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acer glabrum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer glabrum
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acer glabrum?
Acer glabrum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer glabrum need?
Acer glabrum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Acer glabrum hardy in the UK?
Acer glabrum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Acer glabrum?
Propagate by grafting.
More in the Acer genus
- Acer acuminatum

- Acer argutum
- Acer barbinerve
- Acer buergerianum 'Himcode'
- Acer buergerianum 'Naruto'
- Acer caesiumHimalayan maple

- Acer campbellii
- Acer campestre 'Schwerinii'
