A massive Pacific Coast maple with extraordinarily large leaves.

Also called: Bigleaf Maple, Oregon Maple

Native status: Native to Pacific Northwest

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 15–30 m; record 47 m
WeightN/A
Lifespan200–300 years
OrderSapindales
FamilySapindaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Acer macrophyllum, the bigleaf maple or Oregon maple, is a large deciduous tree in the genus Acer. It is native to western North America. In addition to uses by animals, it is of some culinary and woodworking interest.

Source: Wikipedia — Acer macrophyllum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive tree with very large 5-lobed palmate leaves; smooth gray-brown bark.

Similar species. Other Acer species (different leaf shapes).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Largest maple species in the world. Endemic to Pacific Northwest moist forests. Massive leaves (largest of any maple, up to 60 cm across) support diverse epiphyte communities including mosses, liverworts, ferns growing in canopy.

§ Range

Pacific Coast

§ Habitat

Pacific Northwest forests

§ Threats

Forest loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bigleaf maple is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Pacific Northwest forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
  • Oregon State University