Bigleaf Maple

The Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) is the biggest maple in North America and is one of the few commercial hardwood tree species on the Pacific Coast. This moderately fast-growing, large tree gets its name from its giant 5-lobed leaves. Native to western North American, this tree’s trunk can get up to a meter in diameter.

In the wild, the Bigleaf Maple grows a narrow crown, while when grown out in the open it develops a much broader, rounded crown and a shorter, thicker trunk. It is a good choice for big open areas in parks or in a big yard and is a great shade tree. In the fall, its leaves turn a subtle but pleasing yellow. It prefers well-drained, moist to dry soils and once it is established is drought tolerant.