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Acer macrophyllum

Acer macrophyllum, commonly known as bigleaf maple or Oregon maple, is a large deciduous tree in the family Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae), native to the Pacific coastal regions of North America from Alaska to California. It is the tallest species of maple in North America, typically reaching heights of 15–30 m (50–100 ft) with a diameter of 0.5–1.2 m (20–48 in) and a broad, rounded to irregular canopy that often branches low to the ground. The tree is most notable for its massive, opposite, palmately 5-lobed leaves, which measure 20–36 cm (8–14 in) across— the largest of any maple species—and are dark green above with a light green, pubescent underside, turning yellow to orange in fall. Small, fragrant greenish-yellow flowers appear in drooping panicles in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by paired winged samaras 3–5 cm (1–2 in) long that aid in wind dispersal. The bark is smooth and grayish on young trees, becoming reddish-brown and deeply furrowed with age, often supporting epiphytic mosses, lichens, and ferns in humid environments.^[1]^[2]^[3] Native to low- to mid-elevation forests west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges, A. macrophyllum thrives in cool, moist climates from sea level to about 1,650 m (5,500 ft), particularly in well-drained alluvial or colluvial soils along river bottoms, slopes, and coastal foothills. Its range spans from southwest British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and into northern and central California, within roughly 300 km of the Pacific Ocean, where it tolerates a variety of conditions from wet coastal fog belts to drier inland sites. Ecologically, it is a fast-growing pioneer species that sprouts vigorously from stumps (up to 3 m per year) and contributes to soil stabilization, while providing habitat and food for wildlife, including birds that eat its seeds and insects that feed on its foliage. The tree's sap is high in sugar content, supporting limited production of maple syrup, and its wood is valued for its strength and figure in furniture, musical instruments, and piano frames.^[1]^[2]^[3] In cultivation, A. macrophyllum is hardy to USDA Zone 6 (and sometimes 5), preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic to neutral soils, though it adapts to urban conditions and is used as a shade tree in the Pacific Northwest. Indigenous peoples of the region have long utilized it for medicinal purposes, crafting canoe paddles from the wood, and harvesting bark for baskets. Despite its resilience, the species can be susceptible to branch breakage in storms due to its brittle wood, and it faces minor threats from habitat fragmentation in its native range.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

Taxonomy

Nomenclature and etymology

The binomial name Acer macrophyllum was first published by Frederick Traugott Pursh in his 1813 work Flora Americae Septentrionalis, volume 1, page 267, based on specimens collected in the Pacific Northwest. Pursh, a German-American botanist, described the species from material gathered during Lewis and Clark's expedition, establishing it as a distinct member of the maple genus. This naming adheres to the principles of binomial nomenclature introduced by Carl Linnaeus, with Acer denoting the genus and macrophyllum the specific epithet.^[5]^[6] The genus name Acer derives from the Latin word for "sharp" or "pointed," originally referring to the hardness and sharpness of maple wood or the pointed lobes of maple leaves, a usage traceable to classical Roman texts. The specific epithet macrophyllum combines the Greek words makros (large) and phyllon (leaf), highlighting the species' distinctive feature of having the largest leaves among North American maples, often exceeding 25 cm in width. This etymological emphasis on leaf size underscores the tree's morphological prominence in its native habitats.^[7]^[8] Common names for Acer macrophyllum include bigleaf maple, Oregon maple, and broadleaf maple, reflecting its wide leaves and regional prominence along the Pacific Coast. In California, it is often simply called bigleaf maple, while "Oregon maple" is more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington, where the tree is a cultural and ecological icon. These names vary slightly by locale but consistently emphasize the leaf morphology.^[6]^[9] Historically, several synonyms have been proposed for Acer macrophyllum, primarily as infraspecific varieties based on minor leaf or growth form variations, but modern taxonomy treats the species as monotypic without recognized subspecies or varieties. Notable synonyms include Acer macrophyllum var. sinuosum (Rehder) Smiley, described in 1920 for plants with more wavy leaf margins from coastal California, and Acer macrophyllum var. kimballi Harrar, proposed in 1946 for a form with denser pubescence; these were synonymized due to insufficient morphological distinction and overlapping variation within populations. Such synonymy reflects ongoing refinements in Acer taxonomy, prioritizing genetic and ecological continuity over subtle phenotypic differences.^[6]

Classification

Acer macrophyllum belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Sapindales, and family Sapindaceae, reflecting the APG III classification that subsumed the former family Aceraceae into Sapindaceae based on molecular and morphological evidence. The species is placed in the genus Acer, which includes approximately 155 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Within Acer, A. macrophyllum is classified in section Macrophylla, a monotypic North American section characterized by large, palmately lobed leaves and racemose inflorescences.^[10] Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear loci place section Macrophylla as sister to the Eurasian section Platanoidea, with divergence estimated around 36 million years ago; A. macrophyllum shows closer molecular affinity to Eurasian maples than to other western North American species like Acer circinatum in section Palmata.^[11]

Description

Morphology

Acer macrophyllum is a deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 meters and diameters at breast height of 50 to 120 centimeters, forming a broad, rounded crown that can span up to two-thirds of its height in dense stands.^[1] It exhibits a shade-tolerant growth habit, often occurring as an understory species but capable of ascending to the canopy in suitable conditions, with vigorous sprouting after disturbance.^[3] Individuals can live up to 300 years, though height growth slows after 50 to 70 years.^[12] The bark on young trees is smooth and grayish-brown, transitioning with age to a darker red-brown color with deep furrows, ridges, and scales that often support epiphytes such as mosses and ferns.^[13]^[14] Leaves are opposite, palmately lobed with 3 to 5 coarsely toothed lobes, measuring 15 to 30 centimeters across (exceptionally up to 61 centimeters), lustrous dark green above and paler beneath, turning yellow to orange in autumn.^[3]^[1] Petioles are 12 to 25 centimeters long and exude milky sap when broken.^[15] Flowers are polygamous, greenish-yellow, fragrant, and small (about 10 millimeters across), borne in pendulous racemes or panicles 10 to 15 centimeters long, blooming from March to June before or with emerging leaves.^[3]^[1] Fruits consist of paired, pubescent samaras 3.5 to 5 centimeters long with horizontally spreading wings in a V-shape, maturing in late summer and ripening to tan or brown from September to October.^[1]^[16] The root system is shallow and extensive, with widespreading lateral roots adapted to moist or saturated soils, contributing to its stability in riparian and understory environments.^[3]^[1]

Chemistry

The sap of Acer macrophyllum is characterized by a high sugar content, primarily consisting of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, which constitute the majority of its dissolved solids. These carbohydrates typically range from 1.0% to 2.6% of the sap's composition by weight, with an average around 1-1.5% Brix in Pacific Northwest populations, making it suitable for syrup production despite lower concentrations compared to eastern maple species.^[17]^[18] The extraction process to produce syrup requires boiling down the sap to approximately 66% solids, resulting in a ratio of about 80 gallons of sap to yield 1 gallon of syrup due to the relatively dilute sugar levels.^[19] Leaves of A. macrophyllum contain significant levels of phenolic compounds, including tannins and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant's antioxidant properties. These phenolics are part of a broader profile common in the Acer genus, where they accumulate in foliage to support physiological functions. The bark and wood of A. macrophyllum feature lignins, which form a key component of the wood matrix, comprising up to 20-30% of its dry weight and aiding in rot resistance.^[20]

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

Acer macrophyllum is native to western North America, with its range extending from southern Alaska through British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest to southwestern California, and eastward to isolated populations in western Montana and Idaho. The species primarily occurs west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, where it is widespread in coastal and inland valleys, including the Coast Ranges, Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, and foothills of the Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada.^[6]^[21]^[22] Within its native distribution, Acer macrophyllum occupies elevations from sea level to approximately 1,500 m, though it reaches up to 1,800 m in California and higher in southern regions; optimal growth occurs at lower to mid-elevations between 100 and 800 m, where moisture availability supports its development.^[6]^[21]^[23] The tree has been introduced in limited ornamental plantings outside its native range, including in Europe (such as the United Kingdom and Germany) and eastern North America, but it has not achieved widespread naturalization in these areas.^[24]^[25]^[26]

Habitat requirements

Acer macrophyllum thrives in moist, well-drained loamy soils, particularly alluvial and colluvial types with deep, gravelly profiles, though it tolerates clayey and rocky substrates but performs poorly on drought-prone sandy soils.^[1]^[6] It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5, with average values around 5.5 in Pacific Northwest sites, and shows sensitivity to toxic boron levels in soil.^[27]^[28]^[6] The species favors cool, humid maritime or montane climates typical of the Pacific Northwest, with annual precipitation ranging from 75 to 250 cm and mild winters corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8.^[1]^[12] Mean annual temperatures vary from 8–15°C, with a frost-free period of 140–350 days, and it endures moderate drought in southern ranges but requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.^[1]^[6] Acer macrophyllum is moderately shade-tolerant, commonly occurring in the understory of conifer forests where it receives 0–20% full sunlight for seedling establishment, though it also grows in full sun along riparian zones.^[1]^[12] It inhabits microhabitats such as streambanks, moist ravines, river terraces, floodplains, and coastal fog belts, often at elevations from sea level to 2,000 m, where abundant moisture and seepage support its development.^[6]^[1] In associated plant communities, it frequently co-occurs with red alder (Alnus rubra) in riparian zones and with Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and various oak species (Quercus spp.) in mixed evergreen forests, forming part of cover types like Pacific Douglas-fir and red alder stands on moist to mesic sites.^[1]^[12]^[6]

Ecology

Ecological interactions

Acer macrophyllum is primarily insect-pollinated, with bees, flies, and beetles serving as key vectors that transfer pollen between male and female flowers on the same tree, facilitated by its heterdichogamous flowering system that promotes outcrossing.^[6] Flowers emerge in early spring and attract early-season pollinators seeking nectar, contributing to the tree's role in supporting pollinator communities during a period of limited floral resources.^[2] While wind may play a minor role in pollen dispersal, insect assistance ensures effective fertilization in its moist forest habitats.^[1] Seed dispersal in Acer macrophyllum occurs primarily via wind, with paired samaras featuring broad wings that enable autorotational flight, allowing seeds to travel up to 100 meters from the parent tree under favorable conditions.^[12] Dispersal typically happens from October through January, though many seeds remain on branches during this period, extending opportunities for release.^[6] Rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks interact with these seeds by caching them, which can aid secondary dispersal and burial, though high predation rates often limit successful germination.^[6] Seeds of Acer macrophyllum are a significant food source for wildlife, including birds like evening grosbeaks and small mammals such as chipmunks and deer mice, which consume them voraciously and influence population dynamics through predation.^[12] Foliage and twigs provide browse for larger herbivores, notably black-tailed deer and elk, particularly in winter when other forage is scarce, shaping understory interactions in mixed forests.^[6] The tree also contributes to food webs by supporting invertebrate communities on its bark and leaves, which in turn serve as prey for insectivorous birds. Acer macrophyllum offers habitat value, providing nesting sites and cover for various birds, including pileated woodpeckers that excavate cavities in its soft wood and species like barred owls that utilize mature stands for roosting and breeding.^[6] Its expansive canopy and branching structure create microhabitats for small mammals and amphibians, enhancing biodiversity in riparian and upland forests.^[29] The species forms symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, particularly vesicular-arbuscular types, which colonize its roots and enhance nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, in nutrient-poor soils common to its habitats.^[30] These fungi also extend to adventitious roots in canopy soils of old-growth trees, facilitating resource acquisition in epiphytic environments.^[31] Additionally, Acer macrophyllum supports epiphytic communities, including mosses, liverworts, ferns, and clubmosses like Lycopodium species, whose growth on its bark is promoted by the tree's moisture-retaining bark texture and shaded understory.^[6] In forest dynamics, Acer macrophyllum acts as a pioneer species in disturbed riparian areas, rapidly colonizing flood-scoured banks or post-fire sites following early successors like red alder and willows.^[6] Through leaf litter decomposition, it facilitates succession by increasing soil moisture retention and nutrient cycling, creating conditions suitable for later-seral conifers and understory plants in moist ecosystems. Its presence in mid-seral stages helps stabilize riparian zones, reducing erosion and supporting diverse plant assemblages.^[6]

Pests and diseases

Aphids of the genus Periphyllus, such as P. lyropictus and P. testudinaceus, are common pests on Acer macrophyllum, feeding on sap and causing leaf curl, distortion, and honeydew production that promotes sooty mold growth.^[32] These aphids are most active in spring, with populations peaking before winged forms migrate, though they rarely cause severe damage to mature trees in natural settings.^[32] Borers such as the flatheaded appletree borer (Chrysobothris femorata) attack stressed or wounded trees, tunneling into the bark and cambium to weaken structural integrity and facilitate secondary infections.^[33] Among fungal diseases, Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, can affect maples by blocking vascular tissue, resulting in wilting branches and dieback.^[34] Anthracnose, primarily from Aureobasidium apocryptum (syn. Discula spp.), emerges in wet springs, producing irregular leaf spots along veins that lead to premature defoliation but typically do not kill the tree.^[35] Heart rot in mature trees is often induced by Ganoderma applanatum, entering through wounds to decay heartwood and compromise stability over time.^[36] Root rot from Phytophthora species occurs in poorly drained, wet soils, causing root decay, crown decline, and increased susceptibility to toppling.^[37] Since around 2011, widespread decline and dieback of A. macrophyllum has been observed across its range in western Washington and Oregon, with possible extension into California. This multifactorial issue is associated with abiotic stressors including rising summer temperatures, drought, urban development, soil compaction, and contaminants such as chromium and arsenic, rather than a single biotic agent. Secondary pests and diseases may contribute under stress, but no primary pathogen has been identified; for example, partial defoliation by the redhumped caterpillar (Schizura concinna) was reported in California as of 2024. In its native range, biotic pests and diseases rarely prove fatal to healthy trees, allowing recovery through refoliation; however, trees in cultivation face heightened vulnerability due to stressors like transplant shock and soil compaction.^[29]^[38]^[39]^[26]^[36]

Conservation status

Population trends

_Acer macrophyllum is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with the most recent assessment conducted in 2017 and no subsequent updates as of 2025.^[40] NatureServe assigns it a global rank of G5, indicating the species is demonstrably secure globally due to its wide distribution and abundance.^[41] Subnational ranks are similarly secure, including N5 in both Canada and the United States, with S5 in British Columbia and Oregon.^[41] The species maintains abundant populations across its core range in the Pacific Northwest, where it occupies extensive forested landscapes spanning millions of hectares in coastal and inland regions from British Columbia to northern California.^[6] In riparian zones, which represent optimal habitat, population densities typically range from 50 to 200 stems per hectare, particularly in early seral stages following disturbance.^[6] These densities reflect the tree's prevalence in moist, low-elevation sites, though they vary with successional stage and site conditions. Overall population trends are stable, with increases observed in protected areas where disturbances are managed. Local declines have occurred in some regions due to historical logging, but the species exhibits strong regeneration through sprouting and seedling establishment post-disturbance. Age structure is skewed toward mature individuals, largely attributable to fire suppression practices that reduce opportunities for regeneration while allowing established trees to persist.^[6] Monitoring efforts by the USDA Forest Service, including data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, indicate no significant range contraction for Acer macrophyllum since 2000, supporting its continued abundance within the native range.^[42]

Threats

Habitat loss poses a significant threat to Acer macrophyllum, particularly through historical and ongoing logging in riparian zones, which has reduced suitable moist habitats across its range in the Pacific Northwest. In western Washington, riparian forests dominated by bigleaf maple experienced substantial degradation from timber harvest practices prior to the late 20th century, leading to fragmentation and loss of mature stands that support the species' regeneration. Urbanization in coastal California has further exacerbated this, with development encroaching on native habitats and increasing decline rates near impervious surfaces and roads, where symptoms of stress are more prevalent.^[6]^[43]^[42] Climate change intensifies drought stress on A. macrophyllum, especially in the southern portion of its range, where reduced moisture availability limits growth and survival in increasingly arid conditions. Projections indicate potential contraction of suitable habitat in the southern portion of its range due to altered precipitation patterns and higher temperatures. Recent declines in western Washington have been linked to abiotic stresses like heat and drought, correlating with warmer, drier summers that impair transpiration and photosynthesis.^[44]^[45]^[29] Invasive species contribute to competitive pressures on A. macrophyllum, with non-native plants like Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) invading disturbed riparian understories and outcompeting seedlings for light and nutrients in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the tree facilitates establishment of invasive barred owls (Strix varia), which preferentially nest in uneven-aged bigleaf maple stands, indirectly altering forest dynamics through associated ecosystem changes.^[46]^[6] Alterations to natural fire regimes, primarily through suppression, favor coniferous competitors over A. macrophyllum by allowing denser shade-tolerant overstories to develop, reducing opportunities for maple regeneration in mixed forests. Agricultural pollution, including nutrient runoff and sediment from adjacent farmlands, degrades riparian water quality, stressing bigleaf maple in lowland zones dependent on clean streamflow.^[47]^[48]^[49] Mitigation efforts include protection within federal lands, including national forests such as the Willamette and Siuslaw National Forests, providing refugia from logging and development. Overall, A. macrophyllum holds a secure conservation ranking (G5 globally), though local populations face ongoing risks from these pressures.^[44]^[50]

Cultivation

Propagation

Acer macrophyllum is primarily propagated from seeds, which are collected as samaras in the fall from October to December using tools such as pole pruners to reach upper branches.^[51] Freshly collected seeds should be stored in plastic bags under cold conditions to maintain viability, as they have a short shelf life and can decay quickly if not handled properly; viability can last up to one year at 1°C with low moisture content of 10-20%.^[52] For germination, seeds require cold stratification at 3°C for a minimum of 50 days, ideally 60-90 days, to overcome embryo dormancy, followed by sowing in spring under moist, shaded conditions.^[53]^[12] Sowing involves placing one seed per container (such as 1-4 gallon Treepots) in a well-draining mix like peat-based soil, with the samara wing oriented vertically, and maintaining temperatures around 15°C for optimal germination rates of 30-40%, which can reach up to 80% in protected settings.^[51]^[52] Germination is epigeal and typically occurs from late January to May, with site preparation emphasizing moist, shaded areas to mimic natural understory conditions.^[52] Vegetative propagation is less common but feasible through stem cuttings from young shoots or coppicing, where stumps produce vigorous sprouts after cutting, allowing for clonal reproduction in cultivation.^[52] Rooting success from cuttings can be achieved when taken from juvenile material and treated with rooting hormones, though bigleaf maple does not readily layer like related species such as vine maple.^[52] Grafting onto compatible rootstocks, such as those from other Acer species, is used for specific selections, providing a method to maintain desirable traits while improving adaptability.^[52] In cultivation, Acer macrophyllum thrives in USDA hardiness zones (5)6, preferring well-drained, moist soils with pH 4.8-7.0 and partial shade to full sun.^[3] Maturity, marked by seed production, is reached in 10-15 years under favorable conditions, with optimal summer temperatures around 30°C and cooler winters of 3-19°C supporting steady growth.^[52]^[12] Challenges in propagation include slow juvenile growth in the first year, particularly when competing vegetation is present, which can limit seedling establishment to low rates without site clearing.^[54]^[12] Additionally, the species is susceptible to transplant shock due to its shallow root system, necessitating careful handling during outplanting, such as using plantable pots and providing shade and consistent moisture to minimize mortality. In natural settings, wind-dispersed seeds and stump sprouting contribute to reproduction, informing cultivated techniques that emphasize protection from predators and environmental stress.^[52]

Cultivars

Several notable cultivars of Acer macrophyllum have been selected and introduced primarily by nurseries in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on enhanced ornamental qualities such as distinctive foliage coloration, variegation, and growth habit suitable for landscape use. These selections often emphasize vibrant spring or fall colors and more compact forms compared to the wild species, while maintaining similar hardiness in USDA zones (5)–6.^[3]^[24] One popular cultivar is 'Mocha Rose', a Buchholz Nursery selection discovered in Oregon, known for its striking new spring foliage emerging in shades of peach-pink to pinkish-red with yellow veins, transitioning to mocha-rose or dusky-purple tones before maturing to bronze-green in summer.^[55]^[56]^[57] Fall color includes orange-browns and yellows, adding seasonal interest.^[57] This cultivar grows to about 15–20 feet tall and 18 feet wide with a spreading habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens.^[55] 'Santiam Snows' is a rare variegated form discovered as a wild clone along the Santiam River in Oregon and introduced by Heritage Seedlings, featuring large leaves randomly splashed and speckled with white patches against a green background for a striking, snow-like effect.^[24]^[58] Its compact growth habit supports urban planting applications, where the bold variegation provides visual contrast without the full size of the species.^[59]^[60] 'Seattle Sentinel' offers a narrow, columnar form, selected from a street tree in Seattle and named in 1951 by Brian Mulligan, former director of the Washington Park Arboretum.^[61]^[24] This upright cultivar reaches up to 12 meters (40 feet) in height with dense, erect branching, ideal for confined spaces or as a vertical accent in landscapes.^[61]^[62] These cultivars are widely available through specialty nurseries in the western United States, often propagated via grafting to preserve their unique traits, and share the species' tolerance for moist, cool conditions in the Pacific Northwest.^[63]^[56]^[64]

Uses

Traditional uses

Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest and California have long utilized Acer macrophyllum, known as bigleaf maple, for various traditional purposes, with documentation appearing in ethnobotanical studies from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.^[65] Tribes such as the Clallam collected and consumed the tree's sap fresh or dried, boiling it down to produce a syrup or sugar-like substance, though yields were lower than those from eastern sugar maples.^[13] Cambium from the inner bark was eaten raw or with oil by Coast Salish peoples, providing a nutritious layer during spring.^[65] Medicinally, the bark's high tannin content made it valuable for its astringent properties; tribes like the Klallam prepared infusions or teas from the inner bark to treat sore throats, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.^[22] The raw sap served as a general tonic among the Thompson, aiding overall vitality.^[65] For material uses, the flexible inner bark provided strong fibers ideal for crafting; the Cowlitz and Concow twisted it into cordage for ropes and tumplines, while the Makah and others wove it into baskets during spring when it was most pliable.^[13] The wood, lightweight yet durable, was prized for tool handles, utensils, and carvings—Northwest Coast tribes including the Haida, Kwakiutl, and Nitinaht shaped it into canoe paddles, spoons, dishes, and spindle whorls, earning it the name "paddle tree" in several languages.^[22] Large leaves lined baskets, wrapped fish for storage, or covered foods in earth ovens among the Cowichan and Lummi.^[65] Culturally, A. macrophyllum held significance in Northwest Coast traditions, with the Kwakiutl and Nitinaht carving the wood into ceremonial masks and rattles for rituals and performances.^[65] These practices were first systematically recorded in 19th-century ethnographies, highlighting the tree's integral role in indigenous economies and ceremonies.

Commercial uses

Acer macrophyllum is widely utilized as an ornamental tree in landscaping, particularly valued for providing substantial shade in large landscapes, parks, and urban settings along the Pacific Coast. Its large, deeply lobed leaves offer dense canopy coverage during the growing season, while the foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow and orange in autumn, enhancing aesthetic appeal in regions like the Pacific Northwest. In cities such as Seattle, it has been planted as a street tree due to its upright growth habit and tolerance to urban conditions, though its propensity for litter from large leaves may limit broader use in built environments.^[66]^[67]^[24] The species supports small-scale syrup production through sap tapping, primarily as a hobbyist or artisanal endeavor in Oregon and Washington, where it is marketed under names like "Oregon maple syrup" or "bigleaf maple syrup." Mature trees can yield 11 to 23 liters of sap per season under typical conditions, with sugar content ranging from 1.0 to 2.6 percent, requiring approximately 80 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup—double the volume needed for sugar maple. This lower yield and milder flavor profile restrict large-scale commercial operations, but emerging interest has led to vacuum-assisted systems and reverse osmosis processing for efficiency in limited production.^[18]^[68]^[69] Beyond ornamentals and syrup, A. macrophyllum serves as a supplementary fodder source for livestock, with its foliage and young stems browsed by cattle and other animals in forested pastures.^[6] The wood of A. macrophyllum is commercially important in the Pacific Northwest, where it is harvested for furniture, veneer, paneling, hardwood plywood, musical instruments, flooring, piano frames, turned objects, and pulpwood. Its light color, fine texture, and occasional figuring make it suitable for specialty items like boxes, crates, and novelties.^[20]^[12]^[1] Ornamental specimens are commercially available through numerous nurseries in the Pacific Northwest, supporting sales for residential and public landscaping projects. Sustainable harvesting practices for wood from the species occur in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified forests in Oregon and Washington, ensuring environmentally responsible management of stands.^[70]^[71]^[72]

References

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Acer macrophyllum - Southern Research Station - USDA
Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a hardwood tree, reaching 15m tall, with large leaves, used for furniture and syrup, and is a good shade tree.
[2]
Bigleaf Maple (U.S. National Park Service)
General Description. The bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), also known as the Oregon maple, is a deciduous, long-lived tree native to the Pacific Northwest.
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Acer macrophyllum | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Deciduous tree, 50-75(100) ft [15-23(30) m], ascending, becoming rounded, shallow root system. · Sun to part spade. · Hardy to USDA Zone (5)6 Native from ...
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POWO follows these authorities in accepting this name: Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2024). Flora of North America North of Mexico 13: 1-566.Missing: binomial | Show results with:binomial
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AUTHORSHIP AND CITATION: Fryer, Janet L. 2011. Acer macrophyllum, bigleaf maple. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online].Missing: authority | Show results with:authority
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Acer - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Maple, genus Acer, originates from Latin acer, possibly from PIE *ak- "be sharp," named for its pointed leaves.
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Big-Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum | Native Plants PNW
May 13, 2015 · Names: Big-Leaf Maple, sometimes called Oregon Maple, derives both its common name and its scientific name, macrophyllum, from the fact that it ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
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Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) - Tree Canada
Names. Latin (scientific) name: Acer macrophyllum. Common English name: Bigleaf maple. Other names: Broadleaf maple, Oregon maple.
[9]
https://treecanada.ca/resources/trees-of-canada/bigleaf-maple-acer-macrophyllum/
[10]
Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) | Oregon Wood Innovation Center
The root system of bigleaf maple is shallow and spreading on wet or shallow soils. ... A red-leaved variety of bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursh forma rubrum) ...
[11]
[PDF] BIGLEAF MAPLE - Acer macrophyllum Pursh - USDA Plants Database
The fruit is paired, 2.5 - 4 centimeters long, and brown with stiff yellowish hair. The bark is smooth and gray- brown on young stems, becoming red-brown ...
[12]
Bigleaf Maple - Virginia Tech Dendrology Fact Sheet
A large tree, commonly 40 to 100 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet in diameter. In the open, it branches low to the ground and forms a rounded crown.
[13]
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is a characteristic feature of the subdivision of Acer to which A. pensylva- nicum belongs (section Macrantha Pax). On long shoots, the first pair of late ...
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[PDF] Acer macrophyllum, Big Leaf Maple
The root system is shallow but wide spreading. The leaves are generally 6 inches to 12 inches across and nearly as long. Leaf color is shiny dark green ...
[15]
Maple sirup production from bigleaf maple. | US Forest Service ...
Bigleaf maple sap flow during the 1970-71 season ranged from none to 16.9 gallons per taphole and sugar content of the sap from 1.0 to 2.6 percent.Missing: composition sucrose glucose fructose
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Making bigleaf maple syrup: A hobbyist's guide
Sugar maples are named for the high sugar content in their sap relative to most other maple species. Sugar maple sap averages 1.25 to 2.5 Brix (1 Brix = 1% ...Missing: composition sucrose fructose
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HOBBYIST FAQ - Oregon Tree Tappers
... sugar maple, but those kits work for bigleaf maple also. Before you buy ... The sap to syrup ratio is roughly 80 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
[18]
(PDF) Phenolic Constituents with Antioxidant and α-glucosidase ...
Nov 28, 2019 · Among those constituents, flavonoids and tannins were two major and characteristic constituents existing in Acer species. Herein we made a ...
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[PDF] Phenolic Constituents with Antioxidant and α-glucosidase Inhibitory ...
Nov 28, 2019 · 38. Phenolics including acertannin, lignans, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, were also the predominant ... quercetin glycosides in sugar maple is.
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Jan 28, 2012 · Here we report the isolation and characterization of four new gallotannins, maplexins F–I (1–4) (Fig. 1), two new phenolic glycosides, ...Missing: quercetin | Show results with:quercetin
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Bigleaf maple is a commercially important hardwood timber for the United States' west coast, where it is virtually the only commercial maple species in the ...Missing: bark gallotannins lignins
[22]
Characterization and Variability Analysis of Volatile Metabolites ...
We have investigated the volatilome of Acer saccharum (sugar maple) leaves using two complementary extraction techniques: headspace‐solid phase micro‐extraction ...
[23]
Effects of VOCs from leaves of Acer truncatum Bunge and Cedrus ...
Sep 1, 2016 · The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of volatile compounds emitted by Acer truncatum Bunge and Cedrus deodara on human physiology ...
[24]
Acer macrophyllum - Jepson Herbarium
Acer macrophyllum. BIG-LEAF MAPLE · Common Name: MAPLE · Habit: shrub, tree; occasionally monoecious. · Inflorescence: umbel, panicle, or pendent raceme.
[25]
Acer macrophyllum - Washington Native Plant Society
Acer macrophyllum provides plenty of tall space for epiphytes (commonly called air plants that don't need soil) like mosses, liverworts, and ferns.
[26]
Acer macrophyllum (big-leaf maple) - Plant Data Sheet
Big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum. Range. Southwest British Columbia to Southern California . Climate, elevation. Sea level to 2000 m. Local occurrence (where ...
[27]
Acer macrophyllum - Trees and Shrubs Online
As both its vernacular name and specific epithet suggest, Acer macrophyllum has the largest leaves of any maple, typically up to 30 cm long and wide but they ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[28]
Acer macrophyllum|Oregon maple/RHS Gardening
Minimum temperature ranges ... Europe (-20 to -15); H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20). H6. Botanical details. Family: Sapindaceae ...
[29]
Acer macrophyllum (Big Leaf Maple, Oregon Maple)
The Big Leaf Maple is a large, deciduous tree growing 40-75 feet tall and wide, with large, deeply 5-lobed leaves that turn yellow in fall. It prefers moist, ...
[30]
Historical biogeography of Acer L. (Sapindaceae) - Nature
Dec 3, 2020 · Molecular phylogeny, divergence time estimates, and historical biogeography of Circaea (Onagraceae) in the Northern Hemisphere. Mol ...
[31]
[PDF] Systematics, Phylogeny, and Distribution of Acer (maples) in the ...
The known fossil fruits and leaves of Acer from western North America represent 91 species and 28 sec- tions, 12 of which are extinct and are described as ...
[32]
Acer macrophyllum Pursh - USDA Plants Database
Morphology/Physiology · Active Growth Period, Spring and Summer ; Growth Requirements · Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils, Yes ; Reproduction · Bloom Period, Mid ...
[33]
Big Leaf Maple - Calscape
Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to the Pacific Coast and parts of inland California.
[34]
[PDF] Bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, decline in western ...
Acer macrophyllum has been reported as declining in health and vigor throughout its entire range in western Washington since 2011. Symp- toms of decline include ...
[35]
[PDF] Bigleaf maple (Mb) - Acer macrophyllum - Gov.bc.ca
Description. Bigleaf maple is a medium-sized (<30 m tall), deciduous, broad-leaved tree, at maturity with a broad, rounded crown, often curved stem (in the ...
[36]
Old-growth Acer macrophyllum trees host a unique suite ... - PubMed
Jun 1, 2023 · The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizae provides further evidence that adventitious roots form fungal associations to exploit canopy soils for ...
[37]
Maple (Acer)-Aphid | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks
These 0.1-inch-long aphids on maple are most severe in the spring. This aphid usually develops wings and flies from the host in spring about the time it is ...Missing: bigleaf | Show results with:bigleaf
[38]
Effects of Larval Host Plant Species on Fecundity of the Generalist ...
Feb 1, 2010 · A survey to assess feeding occurrence measured defoliation on eight tree species. During this urban outbreak, sycamore maple, Acer ...
[39]
Flatheaded Appletree Borer - NC State Extension Publications
Sep 16, 2019 · This borer is so called because the thoracic segments are noticeably wider than the rest of the slender, segmented grub, and their damage often ...Missing: Acer macrophyllum
[40]
Maple (Acer spp.)-Verticillium Wilt
Avoid planting maple in fields with a history of Verticillium wilt. Avoid fields previously planted to potato or tomato; however, former peppermint fields may ...
[41]
[PDF] Assessing the role of Verticillium wilt in Bigleaf Maple (Acer ...
1987). This project investigated whether or not Verticillium wilt was the primary cause of bigleaf maple decline and dieback in western Washington.
[42]
Maple Diseases & Insect Pests - Clemson HGIC
Aug 31, 2024 · Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Aureobasidium apocryptum. Leaves and buds may turn brown and die, followed by twig and branch dieback.
[43]
Acer macrophyllum (broadleaf maple) | CABI Compendium
A. macrophyllum is a mesothermal species that tolerates water-deficient and water-surplus (flooded) soils. Well-drained alluvial and colluvial soils provide ...<|separator|>
[44]
Maple (Acer spp.)-Phytophthora Root Rot
The fungus-like organism, Phytophthora spp., has been found in rotted maple (especially Acer palmatum) roots and branch tip diebacks by the OSU Plant Clinic.Missing: macrophyllum | Show results with:macrophyllum
[45]
Acer macrophyllum Pursh - World Flora Online
IUCN Red List Status. Least Concern. Provided by: [E].The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. lc. External Links. NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology ...
[46]
Acer macrophyllum - NatureServe Explorer
Acer. Scientific Name Reference: Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition.Missing: authority | Show results with:authority
[47]
[PDF] Bigleaf Maple Decline in Western Washington - Regulations.gov
flowers form on a raceme, with fruit consisting of a 3-5 cm long samara (Minore & Zasada. 1990). Acer macrophyllum has deep roots, and is resistant to windthrow ...
[48]
Bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum Pursh, decline in western ...
Dec 1, 2021 · No plant pathogen or insect herbivore was implicated in the decline. •. Site conditions, especially hotter urban sites, are predisposing stems ...
[49]
https://ecoadapt.org/data/documents/EcoAdapt_GGBN_VASummary_RiparianForestsWoodlands_FINAL_Oct2024.pdf
[50]
Range Increase and Changes to Distribution - UBC Blogs
Predicting changes in distribution of Acer macrophyllum in the Pacific Northwest ... habitat loss in southern California. Dispersal under moderate emissions ...
[51]
Rubus armeniacus, R. bifrons - USDA Forest Service
Himalayan blackberry occurs in many areas of the United States and is invasive in the Pacific Northwest and California. It is considered the most invasive ...
[52]
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/USDAFSSilvics/187.pdf
[53]
Recent Trends in Large Hardwoods in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Oct 19, 2018 · Shifts in fire regimes and other threats could be causing declines in, large hardwood trees. To better understand whether and where such ...
[54]
[PDF] Riparian Forests and Woodlands - EcoAdapt
For example, ongoing deterioration of riparian forest health may occur as a result of non-climate stressors that lead to channel incision and associated ...
[55]
https://www.forestfarm.com/acer-macrophyllum-mocha-rose-acma009.html
[56]
[PDF] Plant Propagation Protocol for Acer macrophyllum ESRM 412
Acer macrophyllum is propagated by seed, collected in autumn/early winter, cold-stored, stratified for 2-3 months, and sown in containers.Missing: maturation | Show results with:maturation
[57]
[PDF] Acer macrophyllum Pursh
It is small compared with its conifer as- sociates. Most mature bigleaf maples are about 15 m (50 ft) tall and 50 cm (20 in) in d.b.h. (5).
[58]
[PDF] Germniation Requirements for Acer Macrophyullum, Bigleaf Maple ...
Bigleaf Maple seeds must be stratified at 3°C for at least 50 days. Germination and growth proceed most rapidly at 15°C.
[59]
[PDF] Maple (Acer Species) - Forest Products Laboratory
It is a short-lived tree, rarely attaining large di- ameters but grows under a wide range of temperature, elevation, and ... —Range of bigleaf maple (Acer ...Missing: habitat | Show results with:habitat
[60]
Acer macrophyllum (Mocha Rose) - Zone 6 Plants - Forestfarm.com
2-day deliveryThis Buchholz selection begins to mature into darker shades of rose and creamy-mocha. Beautifully spreading tree to 15-20' tall and 18' wide.
[61]
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-macrophyllum-seattle-sentinel
[62]
https://www.lakewildernessarboretum.org/gardens/our_gardens/big-leaf-maple/
[63]
Acer macrophyllum (Santiam Snows) - Zone 6 Plants - Forestfarm.com
2-day deliveryThis stunning big leaf maple has the most remarkable variegation; its foliage is randomly splashed and sprayed with snow-white patches and speckles An ...
[64]
Acer macrophyllum 'Santiam Snows' - Santiam Snow Bigleaf Maple
Out of stockFrom friend Eric Hammond comes this exciting variegated bigleaf maple offering up a new realm of swagger previously unknown in this genus.
[65]
http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Acer+macrophyllum
[66]
Acer macrophyllum 'Seattle Sentinel' - Oregon State Landscape Plants
Hardy to USDA Zone (5)6 The erect tree was found along a street in Seattle, it was noticed and named in 1951 by Brian Mulligan, director of the Washington Park ...
[67]
Big Leaf Maples - Lake Wilderness Arboretum
Acer macrophyllum 'Seattle Sentinel' grows to just 40 feet with a columnar habit, as opposed to 160 feet tall with a 50-foot spread.
[68]
https://www.cdlinc.ca/en/interviews-and-articles/a-new-era-for-maple-syrup-the-rise-of-bigleaf-maple/
[69]
Acer macrophyllum 'Mocha Rose' - Mocha Rose Bigleaf Maple
Out of stockA strong growing and vigorous bigleaf maple best known for its large, palm-shaped leaves that welcome spring with striking shrimp-pink tones.
[70]
BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database
### Summary of Traditional Uses of Acer macrophyllum by Native American Tribes
[71]
Native Plants | Camosun College
Medicinal applications include a tea made from the bark that can treat gastro-intestinal problems, tuberculosis and even the common cold. A tea from the bark ...
[72]
[PDF] Acer macrophyllum Pursh. - Journals @ KPU
Arno and Hammerly (1977) estimated that a single mature bigleaf maple tree in a Pacific Northwest rainforest can support nearly a metric tonne of moss ...
[73]
[PDF] Red Alder: A State of Knowledge - USDA Forest Service
documents include the journals of James G. Swan (1852–. 1900) and David ... trichocarpa), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), and willow (Salix spp ...
[74]
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275378
[75]
Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf maple) | Native Plants of North America
Oct 18, 2008 · Acer macrophyllum · Acer macrophyllum Pursh · Bigleaf Maple, Big-leaf Maple · Aceraceae (Maple Family) · Synonym(s): · USDA Symbol: acma3 · USDA ...
[76]
A New Era for Maple Syrup: The Rise of Bigleaf Maple - CDL
A new trend is emerging on the West Coast of the United States, particularly in the states of Oregon and Washington: syrup production from the Bigleaf maple.Missing: Haida Quinault
[77]
[PDF] MAPLE SIRUP PRODUCTiON FROM BIGLEAF MAPLE
Jun 1, 1972 · from none to 16.9 gallons per taphole and sugar content of the sap from 1.0 to 2.6 percent. Sugar content also varied.
[78]
Acer macrophyllum - Bigleaf Maple - Kuenzi Turf & Nursery
Out of stockThe Bigleaf Maple grows to 40-80 feet with large, dark green leaves, and is native to the Pacific Coast. It has a yellow/orange fall color.Missing: commercial market sustainable
[79]
https://cornellfarms.com/products/acer-macrophyllum-3gal-big-leaf-maple
[80]
FSC Big Leaf Maple - Sustainable Northwest Wood
Our Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) is sourced from FSC® certified forests in Oregon and Washington, and is one of the most commercially significant wood ...