Species Big Leaf Maple
A maple shape light-green leaf having multiple tiny dark-green veins on a brown stem.

Big Leaf Maple

Acer macrophyllum

Also Known As - Oregon Maple
Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) is an amazing species of maple tree. It is native to western North America, growing up to 100 feet tall in some areas. Its leaves are extremely large, reaching up to a foot in width and length, and are a brilliant green in the summer months. In autumn, the leaves turn a stunning yellow, orange, or even a mix of the two. Big Leaf Maple is prized for its hard wood, making it popular for many furniture and flooring options. Its impressive size, vibrant color, and useful timber make it a truly amazing tree species.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6

Flowers:

Greenish-yellow Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy

Fruits:

green,red,yellow,orange Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Big Leaf Maple should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the season and the soil conditions. The area should be watered thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. If the tree is grown in a container, it should be watered until the soil is moist but not soggy. The amount of water depends on soil type, size of container, and climate; it can range from 2-5 gallons of water per week.

sunlight

Big Leaf Maple trees need full sun to thrive and will reach optimal growth in areas where they get 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. This species can tolerate cold temperatures and can even grow in the drier southern climates as long as they're given ample shade and protection during the hottest part of the day. As long as they have access to plenty of light, Big Leaf Maples will respond positively and grow vigorously.

pruning

Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) should be pruned in the late winter or early spring months. Pruning should be kept light. Dead, damaged and diseased branches should be removed. Branches should be thinned out, which will allow for better air circulation, sun exposure, and encourage new growth. It’s important not to prune more than 15-20% of the tree’s total foliage. This species of maple may produce a profusion of suckers throughout the growing season, which should be removed at their base.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Acer macrophyllum typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Big Leaf Maple typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Acer macrophyllum typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map