WSU Clark County Extension
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Bigleaf Maple

Scientific name: Acer macrophyllum
Taxonomy
Family:Aceraceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:2 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:100 ft
Width:50 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description A very common Northwest native deciduous tree found from southern Alaska to northern California, on the west side of the Cascades. Often associated with stream banks, and moist canyons.

  Morphology:
Forms a rounded canopy with ascending limb structure. Leaves are 3-5 lobed and very large (6-15" wide). Green summer foliage color gives rise to medium green to yellow fall foliage. Flowers in early spring usually before leaves appear. The flowers are small, 10 mm across, greenish-yellow, and fragrant, in drooping clusters, 10-15 cm long. Male and female flowers occur in the same cluster. Fruit (double samara), large, 4 cm long, hang down in racemes, seeds very pubescent. Foliage yellow to gold or brown in fall.

  Adaptation:
Sun to part spade. Prefers a cool moist environment as typically found in areas on the west sides of the Cascades in the Pacific Northwest. Often associated with stands of Douglas fir. Grows on both moist and dry sites.

  Pests:
Generally pest free. May suffer from limb breakage as the trees age.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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