treeN. America Native

Bigleaf Maple

Acer macrophyllum

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer macrophyllum is a large deciduous tree native to western North America, forming a broad, rounded crown atop single or multiple trunks. Its deeply lobed foliage emerges with reddish tones in spring, turning deep green through summer before shifting to yellow and orange in fall.

This species bears the largest leaves of any maple, spanning up to twelve inches across with petioles that release a milky latex when broken. Fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers hang in long cylindrical clusters before leaf emergence, attracting early pollinators and hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers massive architectural foliage, yellow fall color, and fragrant spring bloom racemes.

Produces dense shade for large open spaces and stabilizes moist sloped soils once rooted.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds and early bees, seeds for rodents and birds, and host foliage for moths.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1200"

Width

900"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Low (skin irritant sap)

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and flush with the top of the root flare.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk bark.

Pro Tip

Never top or aggressively cut back major branches; heavy pruning triggers rapid, structurally weak epicormic growth and opens the wood to decay.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during severe summer heat to avoid leaf scorch.
Keep mulch pulled back several inches from the main trunk.
Prune only when fully dormant in late fall or winter.

Don't

Do not top or heavily cut back mature limbs.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay where standing water accumulates.
Do not plant in regions with high summer heat and humidity.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade treeSpecimen treeParks and large acreageNaturalized woodlands

Companion Plants

Acer circinatum Polystichum munitum Oxalis oregana Tellima grandiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bigleaf Maple questions

What zones can Bigleaf Maple grow in?

Bigleaf Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bigleaf Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bigleaf Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bigleaf Maple bloom?

Bigleaf Maple typically blooms in spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bigleaf Maple need full sun?

Bigleaf Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bigleaf Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bigleaf Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.