Bigleaf Maple is a large deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, known for its exceptionally large leaves, which can reach up to 30 cm across. In regenerative agriculture, Bigleaf Maple serves as a canopy layer in food forests, providing essential shade and microclimate regulation. Its leaf litter contributes to soil fertility by enhancing organic matter and nutrient cycling. The tree supports biodiversity by offering habitat for various bird species and its flowers are a crucial nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Historically, indigenous peoples have utilized Bigleaf Maple for its sap and wood, and it plays a vital role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, making it an excellent choice for landscape restoration projects.
Growing Details
Bigleaf Maple thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a preference for loamy or sandy textures. It benefits from a thick layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as nitrogen-fixing shrubs (e.g., Ceanothus) and understory herbs (e.g., ferns) can enhance its growth. Avoid planting in compacted or poorly drained soils. Harvest sap in early spring when temperatures are above freezing during the day and below freezing at night. Store syrup in a cool,
Edible Parts
Sap Inner Bark
Tags
Keystone Specie Carbon Farming Attracts Wildlife Fire Wood Building Wood Windbreak Erosion Preventing Bee Friendly Visual Appeal Easy Propagating Sweetener
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer macrophyllum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to the Pacific Northwest of North Amer
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The sap of Bigleaf Maple can be tapped in early spring and boiled down to make syrup, similar to sugar maple syrup, though less sweet. The young shoots and inner bark can be consumed in survival situations, but they are not commonly used due to their bitter taste.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the bark and leaves have been used by indigenous peoples for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They are applied as poultices for sore muscles and joints. Caution is advised as the inner bark can be astringent and should be used in moderation.
health concerns:
other uses: The wood of Bigleaf Maple is prized for its use in furniture, musical instruments, and veneer due to its fine grain and workability. It is also used as firewood and for making charcoal.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Acer macrophyllum</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Acer macrophyllum
common names: Bigleaf Maple; Oregon Maple; Broadleaf Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 100.0 m
spacing: 10.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 5ยฐC / 1ยฐC / 10ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(7/10)
first harvest: 10 years
life span: 300 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 30.0 m
max width: 15.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Bigleaf Maple thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a preference for loamy or sandy textures. It benefits from a thick layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as nitrogen-fixing shrubs (e.g., Ceanothus) and understory herbs (e.g., ferns) can enhance its growth. Avoid planting in compacted or poorly drained soils. Harvest sap in early spring when temperatures are above freezing during the day and below freezing at night. Store syrup in a cool,
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids and scale insects. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help repel scale insects. Fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
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