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Description
Acer Macrophyllum, commonly known as the Bigleaf Maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The tree is renowned for its large leaves, which can grow up to a foot long and wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Bigleaf Maple can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a broad, rounded crown. Its bark is gray-brown and smooth when young, but becomes furrowed and scaly with age. The leaves are the most distinctive feature of the tree, with five to seven lobes that are deeply incised and have serrated edges. The leaves are bright green in the spring and summer, turning yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The tree also produces clusters of small yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by winged samaras that are about 2 inches long.
Care Guide
The Bigleaf Maple prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does best in loamy soil. The tree needs regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth, and benefits from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Bigleaf Maple is relatively pest-free, but can be susceptible to aphids and scale insects. It is also vulnerable to a fungal disease called verticillium wilt, which causes the leaves to wilt and die. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the tree healthy by providing adequate water and nutrients, and prune any dead or diseased branches.
Habitat
The Bigleaf Maple is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, where it grows in moist forests and along streams and rivers. It is an important component of the ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Bigleaf Maple be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it is not recommended as it can grow very large and requires a lot of space and water.
Q: Is the Bigleaf Maple a good tree for landscaping?
A: Yes, the Bigleaf Maple is a popular ornamental tree in the Pacific Northwest and can be used as a shade tree or specimen tree.
Q: Does the Bigleaf Maple have any medicinal properties?
A: Some Native American tribes used the bark of the Bigleaf Maple to treat various ailments, such as coughs and colds.
Q: Can the sap of the Bigleaf Maple be used to make syrup?
A: Yes, the sap can be boiled down to make a sweet syrup, although it is less commonly used than the sap of the sugar maple.
Related Plants
- Acer circinatum (Vine Maple)
- Acer negundo (Boxelder)
- Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
- Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
References
- “Acer Macrophyllum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 30, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c157.
- “Bigleaf Maple.” Oregon State University Extension Service. Accessed September 30, 2021. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/trees-shrubs-and-vines/bigleaf-maple.
- “Acer Macrophyllum.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 30, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/528/.
