Form: This is a small tree reaching an average maximum height of 25 ft.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: opposite; simple

Shape: 3-5 lobed; shallow v-shaped sinuses

Margin: lobes serrate; rugose

Texture: glabrous on top; veins protrude out on the bottom of leaves

Venation: pinnate

Bark: It has thin greenish to red-brown bark.

Twigs and buds: Mountain maple has pubescent slender red twigs.

Flowers and fruit: It develops yellowish-green flowers and the fruit is a paired samara.

Distinguishing characteristics: The petiole is red and pubescent and the veins on the underside of leaf are dented out of the leaf. It has a distinctly different leaf shape and bark appearance than striped maple, which it could potentially be confused with.

Range: It is most common in southeastern Canada. Populations also exist in the northern Lake States and the southern Appalachians above 6000 ft.

Silvics: It is tolerant of shade and prefers cool climates with abundant moisture.

Ecological and cultural importance: It has no commercial value, but is browsed by deer, moose, and caribou.