mapleleaf oak

Quercus acerifolia (E.J.Palmer) Stoynoff & W.J.Hess ex R.J.Jensen

Mapleleaf oak is an Arkansas tree whose broad, deeply lobed leaves recall those of a maple. In its native uplands it often grows as a small tree or large shrub. Open woodland, rocky ledges, steep slopes, and glades provide its characteristic setting. Morton Arboretum: Conservation Gap Analysis of Native U.S. Oaks, Quercus acerifolia

Botanical name

Kew’s accepted name includes ex R.J.Jensen, reflecting validation in Flora of North America in 1997. IPNI links this to the earlier Stoynoff and Hess usage and the basionym Quercus shumardii var. acerifolia E.J.Palmer. Kew Plants of the World Online: Quercus acerifolia IPNI: Quercus acerifolia nomenclatural record

Recognizing the plant

The leaves commonly have five to seven lobes, with bristle-tipped points and broad upper lobes that may overlap. They are often wider than long. Small hair tufts remain in vein angles beneath. The bark becomes dark and furrowed. Acorns sit in shallow cups that enclose roughly one-quarter to one-third of each nut. Flora of North America 3:465: Quercus acerifolia

Seasonal development

Arkansas

Flora of North America records spring flowering; the acorns mature in their second year. Flora of North America 3:465: Quercus acerifolia

Native range

The established native populations occur around Magazine, Sugarloaf, Pryor, and Porter mountains in western Arkansas. Trees typically occupy dry, thin, rocky soils. A Morton Arboretum conservation assessment notes that suppression of fire at Magazine Mountain has reduced the open-canopied habitat this oak favors. Morton Arboretum: Conservation Gap Analysis of Native U.S. Oaks, Quercus acerifolia

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.