How fast does it grow?

It is a fast growing tree that can add several feet of height per year in ideal conditions.

Can I plant it near my house?

No, its massive size and wide root system make it unsuitable for small yards or near foundations.

Plant guide

Bigleaf Maple.

Acer macrophyllum

Pronounced AY-ser mak-ro-FIL-um

Also known as Bigleaf Maple, Oregon maple, Pacific maple, big-leaf maple, big-leaved maple, broad-leaved maple, canyon maple

The Bigleaf Maple is a majestic native tree known for its massive, hand shaped leaves. It thrives in moist, temperate forests along the Pacific coast. These trees provide wonderful shade and support local wildlife.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few years of establishment. Watch for leaf scorch in intense summer heat and ensure the tree has plenty of space to spread. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches during the dormant season.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to maintain soil moisture.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Prune during winter dormancy to maintain structure.
Repotting: Repotting is generally not applicable for mature landscape trees.
Soil: Deep, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 100 to 200 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Safety

People: There is no significant toxicity to humans, though the sap can be sticky.
Children: The large, heavy branches can be brittle and prone to dropping, so avoid planting near play areas.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen can trigger seasonal allergies during the spring bloom.
Edibility: The seeds are edible after roasting, but the raw foliage and other parts are not considered food.

How to identify it

Extremely large, five lobed leaves
Deeply furrowed, grayish brown bark
Winged seeds called samaras
Yellowish green hanging flower clusters

Height: 15 to 30m
Spread: 10 to 20m
Leaves: green, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, green, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Leaf ScorchCommon
Tar SpotCommon
Verticillium WiltCommon
CankerUncommon
Powdery MildewUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: Autumn, Spring
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range. Simply ensure the soil remains well drained during wet winters.
In containers: This tree is far too large for containers and should only be planted in the ground.

Seed

Collect samaras in autumn when brown.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Sow in pots outdoors in late winter for spring germination.

Plant shade tolerant native shrubs beneath the canopy to mimic the natural forest structure.

Grows well with

Sword fern — They share the same moist, shaded forest floor requirements.
Red huckleberry — It naturally grows in the understory of these maples.

Similar species

Vine maple — It is a smaller relative that also thrives in the Pacific Northwest.

Science

Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Acer
Order: Sapindales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to California.
Conservation: This species is common and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in moist, rich soils and often dominates riparian corridors in its native range.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, nesting site
Pollinators: bees
Uses: shade tree, timber, erosion control

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9
Salinity: 1/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is a fast growing tree that can add several feet of height per year in ideal conditions.
Can I plant it near my house?: No, its massive size and wide root system make it unsuitable for small yards or near foundations.

Where the name comes from

The name macrophyllum means large leaf in Latin, referring to its massive foliage. Bigleaf maple is the common name for the same reason.

Good to know

It produces the largest leaves of any maple species.
The wood is highly valued for furniture and musical instruments.
Indigenous peoples traditionally used the bark for cordage and baskets.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.