Big Leaf Maple                                      

Acer macrophyllum

Pronounced AY-ser mak-ro-FILL-um and called Big-Leaf Maple or Oregon Maple, derives both its common name and its scientific name, macrophyllum, from the fact that it can have leaves up to 12 inches across–the largest of any maple!

There are nearly 150 species of maples worldwide. We have three native maple species in the Pacific Northwest:  Big-Leaf Maple and two more shrubby cousins, Vine Maple, Acer circinatum,and Douglas Maple, Acer glabrum.

Big-Leaf Maple grows rapidly when young, more slowly as it ages.  It typically grows 30-75 feet (10-25m) in cultivation but can grow more than 100 feet (30m) tall.  It is a spreading tree with a rounded head and may grow nearly as wide as it is tall.  The trunk can grow to be more than 3 feet (1m) in diameter.  Big-Leaf Maples may live to be 200 years old.

Although Big-Leaf Maple will grow on drier sites, it is often found along stream banks and does best on similarly moist sites—its leaves will grow bigger and more impressive when growing in moist, shady areas

This majestic tree is made even more interesting by the life it supports.  Its deeply ridged bark creates and ideal habitat for epiphytes (plants that grow on trees without soil), including many species of mosses and lichens as well as the Licorice Fern, Polypodium glycyrrhiza. When you see a tree covered with moss, you can be pretty sure it is probably a Big-Leaf Maple!  As the moss-layer thickens and begins to decompose enough soil is sometimes created for tree seedlings to germinate ( as seen on our farm).

Natives found this tree very useful.  Some used the bark for making rope.  The leaves were used for containers or in cooking pits.  The wood was extremely popular for carving both artwork and useful items such as dishes and paddles.  Sprouted seeds were also eaten.  Maple syrup can be made by boiling down the sap.  The greenish-yellow flower clusters make a tasty garnish for salads.  Commercially, the wood is mostly used for making veneers for furniture, but is also used for musical instruments and interior paneling.  Burls are used for clocks and tabletops.

The seeds, buds and flowers of Big-Leaf Maple are a favorite food of many small mammals and birds.  Douglas squirrels will cache the seeds.  Flower clusters are often found on the ground after they have been nibbled on by squirrels.  Deer and small mammals eat seedlings and saplings.