Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum
Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Sapindaceae family, native to Pacific coast of North America. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 12–20 m (39–66 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan Bigleaf maple in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Bigleaf maple at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: sap (syrup) |
| Native to | Pacific coast of North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Bigleaf maple toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bigleaf maple
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Bigleaf maple in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (2 plants)
- The Butchart Gardens (1 plants)
Questions about Bigleaf maple
- How far apart should I plant Bigleaf maple?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–20 m (39–66 ft).
- Does Bigleaf maple need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bigleaf maple need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Bigleaf maple?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Bigleaf maple flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bigleaf maple poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Bigleaf maple?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bigleaf maple. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Leaves up to 30 cm across; limbs often carpeted with mosses and licorice ferns in the coastal rainforest.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Red maple Acer rubrum
- Lychee Litchi chinensis
- Longan Dimocarpus longan
- Rambutan Nephelium lappaceum
- Sugar maple Acer saccharum
- Norway maple Acer platanoides
- Field maple Acer campestre