Plant Profile: Acer macrophyllum

The Bigleaf Maple is a tree native to the western coast of North America, spanning from Alaska down through British Columbia and into the western United States. It thrives in a range of environments, from moist to drier areas, predominantly found in wet woodlands and along streams at lower elevations in the coastal ranges and the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. This species is recognized as the largest among the various maple types in North America. In the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, these trees are often adorned with mosses, lichens, and ferns.

This tree is relatively easy to cultivate, preferring moist, slightly acidic, and well-drained soils, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It favors the cool, moist conditions typical of its native Pacific Northwest habitat but is adaptable to different soil types, from wet to moderately dry. However, it does not perform optimally in the hot, humid summers of the southeastern United States, and planting is not advisable south of USDA Zone 7.

The Bigleaf Maple serves as an excellent shade tree for expansive landscapes and parks, though its shallow, spreading roots can potentially damage sidewalks and driveways.