Key Facts
- A deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest coast of North America.
- Notable for very large leaves commonly 8–12 in (20–30 cm) across.
- Produces small yellowish spring flowers and paired winged samaras.
- Often grows as a large shade tree reaching many tens of feet.
- Prefers moist, rich soils and is tolerant of heavier soils and periodic wetness.
- Resprouts readily from stumps and root suckers after cutting or damage.
- Wood is used locally for furniture, carving, and firewood.
Bigleaf Maple is a large deciduous tree from the Pacific Northwest prized for very large leaves and spring flowers while tolerating moist soils. It makes an effective shade tree but needs room and regular management because it can resprout from roots and stumps.
Identification
Leaves are very large often 8 to 12 inches across and make a bold canopy in landscape and forest settings. In spring the tree produces small yellowish flowers followed by paired winged samaras. Mature height commonly ranges from 40 to 100 feet with a 30 to 60 foot crown in open sites.
Where to grow and best uses
Use Bigleaf Maple as a park or large-yard shade tree or for riparian and moist woodland plantings where its size is welcome. It prefers moist, rich soils and tolerates heavier clay and periodic wetness so it suits stream edges and low spots that other maples avoid.
Planting and spacing
Place new trees where a 30 to 60 foot mature crown will fit and not conflict with structures. Plant during cool, moist periods in your area to reduce transplant stress and keep the root ball moist until established. Avoid tight planting near foundations or utilities because of large mature size and root spread.
Soil and watering
Bigleaf Maple performs best in moist, rich and reasonably well drained soils but accepts heavier soils and periodic wetness. Water regularly during the first two to three growing seasons to establish a deep root system. Long periods of waterlogging or extended drought will stress the tree and reduce vigor.
Light and exposure
Plants do well in full sun to partial shade and benefit from afternoon shade in hot inland climates to reduce leaf scorch. In shaded forest margins they develop a narrower crown while open grown specimens form a broad, spreading canopy.
Pruning and management
Prune to remove dead wood and to shape young trees while scaffold branches are forming. The species resprouts readily from stumps and roots after cutting so expect and manage suckers if you want a single-trunk specimen. Regular removal of basal shoots limits naturalizing and keeps the main trunk dominant.
Propagation
Propagate by seed with cold stratification for reliable germination or by coppicing and root suckers for clonal spread. Named forms are preserved by grafting. Softwood cuttings are generally less reliable and seedlings can vary from the parent tree.
Problems and considerations
Bigleaf Maple can sucker and resprout vigorously, especially in warmer, wetter climates, which may lead to thickets or multiple trunks if unmanaged. Wood is used locally for furniture and carving. Confirm pet and livestock safety with local poison control or extension resources before planting near animals.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Bigleaf Maple grow?
- Growth rate varies by site. In moist, fertile locations it can reach large shade tree size over several decades and grows faster than in dry, poor soils.
- How big does Bigleaf Maple get?
- Mature height is typically 40 to 100 feet with a crown spread of about 30 to 60 feet depending on site conditions.
- Is Bigleaf Maple invasive?
- It resprouts from roots and stumps and can sucker vigorously in favorable climates, so it can naturalize locally without active control.
- When does it bloom?
- Flowers appear in spring, typically around April to May in much of its range, though local timing varies by elevation and latitude.
- How should suckers be controlled?
- Remove basal shoots promptly by cutting to the root collar and repeat as needed; long term control may require regular monitoring and removal.
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