Bigleaf Maple
Acer macrophyllum · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (no specific cultivar identified)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6 - 9
About This Tree
A massive, fast-growing deciduous tree known for having the largest leaves of any maple species. It features a broad, rounded crown with heavy, spreading branches that often become cloaked in moss and ferns in moist climates. Often multi-stemmed or short-trunked in urban settings.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves, 6 to 12 inches across (can reach 24 inches). Deeply 5-lobed with rounded sinuses. Dark green and shiny on top, paler underneath. Turns greenish-yellow to bright gold in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown to reddish-brown; smooth when young, becoming deeply furrowed and ridged with age. Frequently covered in epiphytes like licorice ferns and moss due to its calcium-rich bark.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest from Alaska to southern California.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (April-May); flowers appear simultaneously with or just before leaves; fruits (samaras) mature in autumn; enters dormancy after shedding leaves in late fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate to high moisture; prefers well-drained, moist, silty soils. High drought tolerance once established in its native range.
Mature Size
Height: 40-100 feet; Spread: 30-60 feet. Growth rate is fast (up to 24 inches per year). Lifespan is typically 50-200 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible sap that can be made into syrup. Noted for massive leaves and supporting high biodiversity of epiphytes. Timber is used for furniture, musical instruments (especially guitar backs), and veneer.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical habitat for birds and small mammals; seeds are eaten by squirrels, grosbeaks, and mice. Flowers provide nectar for early-season pollinators. Mosses and ferns that grow on its bark create miniature ecosystems.