Acer macrophyllum
Bigleaf Maple or Oregon Maple
Description
A handsome large tree with huge leaves, native to western North America which can be found growing in the wild from southernmost Alaska to southern California. Acer macrophyllum has the largest leaves of any Acer, typically up to 30 cm (1 ft) across, with five deeply-incised palmate lobes.
These leaves are dark green in spring / summer, turning shades of butter yellow in autumn before falling. Long clusters of greenish-white flowers can be seen hanging from the branches in spring. The sheer size of the leaves is very impressive and makes this a spectacular tree for large gardens or woodland areas!
Features
- Common name: Bigleaf Maple or Oregon Maple.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Moist, well drained, fertile soil.
- Hardiness: Hardy.
- Flowering Period: April.
- Rate of Growth: Vigorous.
- Habit: Eventually a large tree with a rounded crown.
- Height: up to 20 m (65 ft)
- Spread: 12 m (40 ft)
- Notes: Acer macrophyllum will produce much larger, more impressive leaves in sites sheltered from strong winds!
- Supplied Size: 180 - 200 cm tall in 7.5L containers
Further Information
Introduced to Britain by David Douglas in 1827, this species was first been described by Archibald Menzies, a ship's surgeon and botanist who sailed to Western North America in one of Captain Cook's fleet in the 1780's.
As well as being an ornamental tree, the timber is highly valued for the manufacture of fine furniture.