How to identify Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)

How to identify Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)

Bigleaf maple is distinguished by its sizable, lobed leaves, which may span up to 1 foot (30 cm) across, and its dome-like canopy that can reach 40 to 75 feet (12 to 23 meters) in height and width. Its bark is grayish-brown and furrowed, providing a textured appearance. The tree produces clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers in the spring, which later develop into winged fruits known as samaras.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bigleaf maple

Large, lobed leaves up to 1 foot (30 cm) across.

Dome-like canopy reaching 40 to 75 feet (12 to 23 meters) in height and width.

Two-winged samaras around 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in length.

Gray to red-brown bark with ridges and furrows.

Chain-like racemes of tiny green-yellow flowers measuring 1/8 inch (3 mm) across.

Detailed Traits of Bigleaf maple

Leaf Features

Bigleaf maple has deeply 5-lobed (occasionally 3-lobed) leaves that can grow to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long and wide. The leaves emerge with burgundy tones in spring, mature to a glossy medium to deep green, and turn yellow to yellow-orange in fall. They are the largest leaves found in any maple species. The petioles contain a milky sap, and the leaves have a unique texture with prominently veined patterns that are crucial for identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of bigleaf maple are organized in chain-like racemes with each tiny bloom measuring about 1/8 inch (3 mm) across. They exhibit a green-yellow hue that prominently contrasts with the darker green of the leaves. Each flower has five small petals, creating a delicate appearance. These flowers typically bloom in spring, creating an attractive visual display. Despite their small size, the flowers collectively form a lush and noticeable arrangement, contributing to the easy identification of the plant.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of bigleaf maple is a distinctive two-winged samara, approximately 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in length. These winged fruits are symmetrical, equipped with a pair of wings that aid in wind dispersal, spreading the seeds from the parent tree. They are often found in pairs, with each samara developing a fibrous texture and maturing to a dry, papery form. Upon ripening, the fruit typically takes on a light brown or tan color, blending into the forest floor when they fall. These characteristics are crucial for the accurate identification of bigleaf maple's unique fruit.

Fruit Type

Samara

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Bigleaf maple and Their Similar Plants

Japanese maple vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

A woody plant native to East Asia, the japanese maple features hand-shaped leaves with five-pointed lobes that resemble the palm of a hand. It has been cultivated for millennia in Japan for bonsai creation. Extracts from the branches and leaves of this plant are used as medicine in Chinese traditional medicine.

Box elder vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

Box elder (Acer negundo) is a type of maple tree native to North America, but which is now found throughout the world. It is a hardy, medium-to-large tree that grows quickly and has a relatively short lifespan of up to 60 years. Older trees are prone to storm damage. Box elder wood is relatively flimsy because the tree grows so fast.

Red maple vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

The red maple is a common North American tree with distinctive red leaves and flower buds. Its sap can be made into maple syrup and the wood is good for furniture. Though non-toxic to humans, the leaves are very toxic to horses. According to the U.S. Forest Service, red maple is the most common tree in eastern North America.

Norway maple vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

The norway maple is a tree species native to Europe and West Asia. It is 20 to 30 m tall and has bright green, lobed leaves which turn yellow or red in the autumn. Introduced as an ornamental shade tree in the United States, it is now considered invasive. Outside its northern range, it can be short-lived and susceptible to disease and damage.

Silver maple vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is one of the most common deciduous trees in the United States and southeast Canada. It is a 15 to 25 m tall, fast-growing, sun-loving tree. Its leaves have deeper angular notches between the five lobes than many other maple species. Silver maple is often found along waterways and wetlands, earning it an alternative name 'Water maple'.

Sycamore vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a tree native to Europe and Asia. Sycamore is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure. This species is known as the sycamore maple in the United States. Sycamore wood is commercially used to make musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring and kitchen utensils.

Sugar maple vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

Acer saccharum, commonly known as sugar maple is a deciduous flowering tree native to North America. Sugar maple's xylem sap is used for making maple syrup - a popular food condiment and sweetening agent in North America. The most notable quality of this plant is its bright leaves, which turn deep red during fall.

Field maple vs. Bigleaf maple: What's The Difference?

Field maple (Acer campestre) is a deciduous flowering plant species native to continental Europe and western Asia. Field maple grows in plains, hills and along rivers. This species is grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Its wood is used to make flooring and musical instruments.

Identify Bigleaf maple easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Bigleaf maple

Attributes of Bigleaf maple

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 48 m

Spread

15 cm to 30 cm

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Yellow

Leaf type

Deciduous

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Bigleaf maple

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Soapberry

Genus

Maples

Species

Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)

Learn More About the Bigleaf maple

Distribution Map of Bigleaf maple

Bigleaf maple is native to western North America, particularly along the Pacific coast. They are found in pure stands and mixed riparian forest areas. They need a cool, moist climate and fairly open woods in order to thrive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Bigleaf maple

A Comprehensive Guide to Bigleaf maple How to Grow and Care for Bigleaf maple