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Glite Dictionary
Acer spicatum

Acer spicatum

9.7
A small bushy maple tree from eastern North America with bright scarlet leaves in autumn
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Acer spicatum
  • The leaves of Acer spicatum turn a brilliant red in the fall.

Examples

  • Gardeners often plant Acer spicatum for its vibrant autumn color.

  • The Acer spicatum is often found in the forests of New England.

  • Botanists studied the growth patterns of Acer spicatum in the Appalachian region.

  • I planted an Acer spicatum in my backyard last spring.

  • Gardeners often plant Acer spicatum for its vibrant autumn color.

  • The leaves of Acer spicatum turn a brilliant red in the fall.

  • I planted an Acer spicatum in my backyard last spring.

Synonyms

mountain maple
vsAcer spicatum
  • US
6.4

A small tree with many branches and bright red leaves in autumn

is the scientific name used instead of the common name
mountain alder
vsAcer spicatum
  • US
8.8

A small bushy maple with bright red leaves in autumn

is the scientific name used instead of the common name

Surface Forms

Acer spicatum singular
Acer spicatum plural

Morphology

Acer + spicatum

This is a Latin binomial: 'Acer' clearly identifies the genus (maple), so a learner who knows that would infer it is a kind of maple. However, 'spicatum' is a Latin species epithet (here undefined for a B1 learner) and the specific traits given (a small shrubby form and scarlet autumn foliage) are not derivable from the constituents, so the meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Acer spicatum comes from Latin: Acer means 'maple' and spicatum refers to a 'spike' or spike-like flower cluster. So the name paints a picture of a small, shrubby maple with little spikes of flowers, helping you remember this maple that turns bright red in autumn.