Acer macrophyllum

Common Names

Big Leaf Maple, Oregon Maple

Summary

A large deciduous tree of the Pacific Northwest, Bigleaf Maple (Oregon maple) is native from southern Alaska to northern California and has the largest leaves of North American maples, up to about 12 inches across with five lobes. It grows to typically 40–75 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown and shallow, spreading roots, and occurs in moist woods and along streams with well-drained soils; spring flowers are greenish-yellow in drooping clusters followed by two-winged samaras.

Its wood is valued for lumber, veneers, cabinetry, furniture, and musical instruments, and sap can be tapped to produce maple syrup, though yields are lower than sugar maple. It provides wildlife habitat and food resources, seeds eaten by small mammals and birds, and supports pollinators; regeneration occurs from seed and sprouts, making it suitable for restoration and landscape plantings as a prominent shade tree in large landscapes and parks.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

480-900 inches

Spread

480-900 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6–7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soils

Soil pH

4.8-7.2, no specific ideal, tolerant of acidic to alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green, turning yellow in autumn.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, yellow-orange, orange, gold

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growth, typically about 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6 feet) per year, especially when young, and slowing with age.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Sprouting from root crown or stump

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds are attracted.