Lane Greer
Family
Aceraceae
Botanical Name
ACER macrophyllum
Plant Common Name
Big-leaf Maple, Oregon Maple, Pacific Maple
General Description
This immense deciduous tree bears the largest leaves of all maple species and is spectacular when it turns golden in the fall. It is counted among the few true western native maples, its range extending from foothills of Alaska to southern California and eastward to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is nearly always found in conjunction with streams and creeks. In warmer regions it grows at the base of north-facing slopes where perpetual shade and summer dampness support its need for moisture during the growing season.
The big leaves can be truly enormous and are borne heavily on upright stems. Trees produce inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers in the early spring, which mature into winged seeds called samaras. The new leaves are bright yellow green and darken through summer. The change to gold begins with the cooling of late summer nights.
Grow this tree in sites with good moisture and partial sun. It is a good choice for expansive rural home sites with high water tables and perennially wet conditions in the west. Big-leaf maple creates habitat for wildlife, has high ornamental value and easily naturalizes. Further north its bark becomes home to mosses and ferns. This tree contains very sweet sap that can be distilled to create syrup that equals that of sugar maple.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
30'-95' / 9.1m - 29.0m
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Width
30'-40' / 9.1m - 12.2m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Western United States, Northwestern United States, California, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow, Red, Green
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Green, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gold
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
