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Big leaf maple

The bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), also known as the Oregon maple, is a deciduous, long-lived tree native to the Pacific Northwest. True to its name, it dangles unusually large, 5-lobed, palmate (palm-shaped) leaves from its branches. These goliath photosynthesizers measure up to 30 cm (12 in) wide and almost as long, a singular feature that distinguishes the bigleaf maple from others in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae (though some still place it in Aceraceae). Its leaves and branches grow in an opposite formation, and spread into a domed canopy at maturity. The young bark is smooth and grayish-brown, eventually becoming red-brown and deeply fissured with age. Description from Bigleaf Maple (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

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Big leaf maple

Big leaf maple fast facts

Scientific Name

Acer macrophyllum

Family

Aceraceae

Garden Type

Anywhere

Wildlife

Birds

Native Plant Region

Western WA, PNW, North America

Light needs

Filtered, Full Sun

Water Needs

Dry to Medium

Plant Type

Deciduous, Perennial, Tree

Bloom Color(s)

Yellow

Height

10 + feet

Width

10+ feet

Months in Bloom

April, May

Safe Beneath Power Lines?

No
Big leaf maple

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