Acer macrophyllum aka Bigleaf Maple

Taxonomy

Genus Acer Family Sapindaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Acer macrophyllum, also called the bigleaf maple or Oregon maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Maple genus of the Sapindaceae family. It is native to western North America, from southernmost Alaska to southern California, and is mainly found in mixed riverine forests or in the second tier of coniferous, evergreen, and oak forests. The tree can grow up to 35 meters tall but usually reaches a height of 15-20 meters. The bark on the branches is greenish and smooth, but on old trunks, it is grayish-brown, wrinkled, and often covered in mosses and lichens. The leaves are large, with five deeply cut lobes, and can grow up to 30 cm long. The flowers are collected in drooping racemose inflorescences that are greenish-yellow with medium-sized petals. The fruits are lionfish, fused in pairs at an acute angle (V-shaped), with seeds that are 1-1.5 cm in diameter and wings that are 4-5 cm long. The wood of the bigleaf maple has a light reddish-brown heart, fine structure, moderate weight, and medium hardness. The structure of the wood is often sinuous and is widely used for cladding furniture, in the manufacture of musical instruments, dishes, and interior panels. Moreover, maple syrup can be obtained from this type of maple, although the concentration of sugar in maple sap is almost the same as that of sugar maple, the syrup tastes different. Lastly, Acer macrophyllum is also a super rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and likes soil that is good at retaining moisture.

Common names

Bigleaf Maple, Pacific Maple, Big Leaf Maple

How to care for Bigleaf Maple

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Bigleaf Maple is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Bigleaf Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bigleaf Maple is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Pacific Maple is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Big Leaf Maple with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Bigleaf Maple with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bigleaf Maple prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Bigleaf Maple is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Bigleaf Maple’s native range is Western N. America - southern Alaska to California.

More info:
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More Species in Acer Genus

Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain Maple

Acer saccharinum Silver Maple

Acer velutinum Velvet Maple

Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

Acer opalus Italian Maple

Acer sterculiaceum

Acer caudatifolium Caudate Maple

Acer truncatum Shantung Maple

Acer griseum Paperbark Maple

Acer spicatum Moose Maple