Acer macrophyllum
Common Names: Bigleaf maple
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: California
Type: Deciduous tree
Size: 50 ft. high, 30 ft. wide; can grow larger.
Flowers: Small greenish yellow flowers, spring, clusters of paired wing seeds that resemble butterflies, fall; large leaves with three to five lobes.
Uses: Larger gardens, fall color. A large, dense shade tree. Salt tolerant. Tolerates heat, wind–but may lose branches. Fire resistive.
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees. Black-tailed deer, songbirds, other wildlife like seedlings. Habitat for birds.
Soil: Tolerates a variety, but must be well-drained. Not at its best in sand.
Water: Low; deep watering avoids shallow roots that subtract water and nutrients from topsoil.
Sun: Full sun to some shade.
Pruning: Prune for structure when young. Prune occasionally for shape and to avoid branches at sharp angle to trunk.
Pests & Diseases: Resistant to oak root rot fungus.
Notes: Native to stream banks, moist canyons, Alaska to foothills of California. Natives used leaves to preserve apples and root crops, inner bark as a fiber for scouring pads. Hardy to 0° F.