![]() Each raceme is actually a collection of numerous small white flowers all connected to a central shoot. The flowers form around the same time as the young leaves and hang below the leaf clusters in large racemes, which can be hard to miss on on a fully grown tree. Most people can easily recognize the familiar shape of a maple leaf due to the Canadian Flag, which is adorned with a stylized Sugar Maple leaf. In the fall, the maple leaves put on an impressive show of yellows as they change before falling from the tree and covering the ground below in thick layers, which feed the forest floor. These mature leaves are an excellent way to wrap food for pit-baking in the ground and can also be used instead of grape leaves for making “dolmas”. Then as the leaves mature, they take on a darker green color but continue to stand out due to their large size, their shape and their distinctive profile of 5 central lobes spread out like a hand. When the spring leaves gain full size, apparently the largest of any maple in North America, their bright green color forms a pattern in the forest canopy that catches the eye of passers by and creates a magical air. Photo Credit 4: "Acer macrophyllum, Bigleaf Maple" by born1945 is licensed under CC BY 2.In the early spring the new leaves emerge around the same time as flowers and though edible at any stage are most succulent when young. Photo Credit 2, 3 5: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants Photo Credit 1: Tara Lemezis, TIny Seed Photography When grown in the open, the Bigleaf Maple will form a broad, spreading canopy and a short stout trunk, the perfect overstory element to any woodland garden. That said, it tolerates seasonally wet soils as well. Gardening with Big Leaf Maple: Big leaf maple will thrive in full to part sunlight and moist to dry, well-drained soil. Special features & uses: wildlife favorite commonly used in furniture making and other wood crafts such as piano frames, salad bowls, and instruments sap can be made into syrup (check out the Oregon Maple Project ) landscape uses include woodland gardens, erosion control and windbreaks.Native habitat/range: found along stream banks and moist forested sites across British Columbia and West Coast states, from southern Alaska to southern California, with some stands in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and central Idaho.Wildlife support: seeds, buds and flowers are a favorite food of many birds and small mammals, especially Douglas squirrels flowers attract and provide nectar to hummingbirds, adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators seedlings and saplings are browsed by deer and elk overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths. ![]() Growth rate/ease : fast growth rate, easy to grow.Moisture requirements : moist to dry soil.Light requirements : full sun, part-sun/part-shade.Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, overstory/large tree.In humid areas, the mature bark supports epiphytic moss, lichens, and fern species, while its sturdy branches and trunk are perfect for swings, hammocks, or treehouses. ![]() The flowers transform into chains of large, fuzzy, double-winged samaras by summer, when the impressive leaves and towering height provide essential shade. With huge leaves as big as your head, the Bigleaf Maple brings many delights! In spring, edible six inch long clusters of small yellow flowers dangle from its twigs. ![]()
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