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Violetsblew

Photo of Acer macrophyllum distinctive bark, foliage by Wendy Cutler

Photo by Wendy CutlerView Original Photo

Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

Photo of Acer macrophyllum foliage by plant lust

Photo of Acer macrophyllum form by Walter Siegmund

Photo of Acer macrophyllum foliage by SuperFantastic

Photo of Acer macrophyllum flower by Walter Siegmund

Photo of Acer macrophyllum form by Wendy Cutler

Photo of Acer macrophyllum flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo of Acer macrophyllum by Cistus Nursery

Buy Acer macrophyllum

Also Known As

Bigleaf Maple
Oregon Maple

Plant type

tree

size

H: 50'-80'
W: 50'-80'

planting zones

5a-10a

1 gallon | $49

Buy button links to nursery site for checkout

Fewer than 18 at Forestfarm

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Acer macrophyllum plant details

Acer macrophyllum is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acer macrophyllum

Plant type: tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 50 FT - 80 FT - wide, 50 FT - 80 FT - tall
Uses: bare root shipping available, fall color, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acer macrophyllum

USDA Zones: 5a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich, rocky and well-drained

About Acer

Maples are botanically classified as the genus Acer in the Sapindaceae, or soapberry family.

Why grow Acer?

Maples in their native ranges are valuable wildlife plants. Though the individual flowers are small, a tree full of them will be buzzing with pollinators. The seeds provide food for birds and other wildlife, and various species of butterflies and moths may use them as hosts.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

There truly is not a finer shade tree than this magnificent large, spreading, western U.S. native named for its enormous leaves (up to 1' across!) which act like lattices, letting light through but not heat; trees in perfect conditions can reach heights of up to 160', although 50-60' is a more common size, pretty pale green flower clusters in spring give way to soft-brown winged samaras in fall along with its with striking yellow fall color; this fine maple is usually found growing in riparian areas; although not commonly done, it can also be used for maple syrup production . S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

The Western Big Leaf Maple, or Acer macrophyllum, has quite possibly the largest leaves of any large broadleaf hardwood besides the Bigleaf Magnolia. When grown in full sun the leaves can reach a foot or more in length but it is in the shade when trees really reach their full beauty. At our nursery we have a tree in a shaded spot planted underneath some massive Douglas-fir trees and the leaves often reach a little over two feet in diameter! Fall color is bright yellow and makes an excellent show when the wind blows and the massive leaves come slowly floating to the ground, twirling the entire time.

Big Leaf Maple is native to the Pacific Northwest and is a cold hardy plant often found growing beneath larger conifers in dense shade. It also grows equally well on rocky mountain faces with extreme heat and drought and is a very drought tolerant tree. We have a tree which gets no regular irrigation (it is planted far above our sprinkler systems on a large hill) and it does quite nicely with little to no rain between May and November. Just water to establish.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Huge leaves - the size of dinner plates - and the tree itself can be a bulky forest giant. Generally found in moist areas and along streams, this Northwest native is probably best grown within its normal range. Mature size ranges from 45-60 ft. in cultivation, much larger in its native woods. Fall color is yellow, nothing to write home about.

By: Heritage Seedlings

This deciduous tree grows 40-100? making it a suitable choice for large gardens and parks. Squirrels & chipmunks relish seeds, and it provides valuable shelter for wildlife. Young trees appreciate some moisture, but once established they are fairly drought tolerant. On dry slopes, this tree will go dormant earlier. Make pruning cuts to remove dead or crossing branches when the tree is dormant. Flowers March ? May. Native to California and is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. Squirrels & chipmunks relish the seeds. Seeds and flowers eaten by birds; Deciduous foliage provides good insect foraging for warblers, vireos, bushtits, and kinglets; Good for shelter and nesting. The stems and bark were traditionally used for basket weaving and in some cases, the inner bark was used for ceremonial dress. Found in streambanks, canyons. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 6000 feet .

By: The Watershed Nursery

A deciduous, short-trunked tree growing to 60' with a broad, dense and round-topped crown. The large palmate leaves offer rich fall colors of yellow and gold. Fast growing and shade tolerant when young, but needs open light for best growth. Prefers deep, rich, well-drained soils with occasional summer water. Intolerant of heavy valley soils, it is a better choice for Northern California. Lewis and Clark were the first to collect this specimen. Native Americans used the wood for canoe paddles. Hardy to 0F. Pacific slope from British Columbia to San Diego.

By: Native Sons

Often overlooked by locals because it is common, the foliage effect can be quite tropical. Of course, not for the small garden as it can become a 50' T& W tree! This tree will change your entire environment all by itself!

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

For those with 1/2 acre for one tree, native bigleaf is just what you want. A U.S. native to most areas of western America, leaves can be one foot across. Fast grower will make shape quickly but isn't good to grow lawn under because it is too dark. Wonderful tree in correct spot.

By: Gossler Farms

Garden photo gallery of Acer macrophyllum

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By: Wendy Cutler

Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

By: plant lust

By: Walter Siegmund

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By: SuperFantastic

Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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By: Walter Siegmund

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

View Original Photo

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By: Wendy Cutler

Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

View Original Photo

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By: Wendy Cutler

Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

View Original Photo

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By: Walter Siegmund

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

View Original Photo

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By: The Watershed Nursery

By: Cistus Nursery

By: Cistus Nursery

By: Cistus Nursery

Gardening facts about Acer macrophyllum plant

How to Grow Acer macrophyllum

Sun Exposure
- sun - dappled shade
Soil Needs
- clay
- acidic
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- rocky
- gritty
Water Needs
- even moisture - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Special Situation
- humidity tolerant