Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Also known as: Bigleaf Maple
Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is renowned for its notably large leaves. The wood from this tree is commonly utilized in making furniture, guitars, and gun stocks. While Bigleaf maple syrup exists, it doesn't enjoy the same popularity as sugar maple syrup, though it can be produced with similar ease.
In This Article
Attributes of Bigleaf maple
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
15 m to 48 m
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green Yellow Orange
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Green
Images of Bigleaf maple
Quickly Identify Bigleaf maple
1
Large, lobed leaves up to 1 foot (30 cm) across.
2
Dome-like canopy reaching 40 to 75 feet (12 to 23 meters) in height and width.
3
Two-winged samaras around 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in length.
4
Gray to red-brown bark with ridges and furrows.
5
Chain-like racemes of tiny green-yellow flowers measuring 1/8 inch (3 mm) across.
Scientific Classification of Bigleaf maple
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Sapindales
Family
Soapberry
Genus
Maples
Species
Bigleaf maple
Planting and Growing of Bigleaf maple
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Bigleaf maple?
Acer macrophyllum requires deep watering to maintain healthy growth, especially during summer. Aim to provide about 1500 ml of water per session, soaking the soil deeply to ensure that moisture reaches the root zone. This helps the tree build a robust root system and withstand periods of dryness.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Bigleaf maple?
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What should I do if my Bigleaf maple is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Bigleaf maple?
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How to save an overwatered Bigleaf maple?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Bigleaf maple?
Acer macrophyllum ideally thrives in a partial sun-to-full sun environment, where it benefits from morning sunlight and some afternoon shade. This helps maintain its health by optimizing photosynthesis without overheating.
Optimal Light Conditions
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Ensuring Proper Exposure
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Benefits of Ideal Lighting
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Bigleaf maple?
The ideal temperature range for Acer macrophyllum, commonly known as Bigleaf Maple, is between 60°F and 75°F. This range supports optimal metabolic processes, ensuring proper growth and development. Staying within this temperature range provides the plant with energy efficiency, which helps in achieving its full potential in both foliage and structural growth.
What Soil is Best for Bigleaf maple?
Acer macrophyllum thrives in soil that retains moisture well. This benefits the plant by ensuring it has a steady supply of water, which is crucial for its large leaves and overall growth. The plant requires nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. Nutrients support the development of its robust root system and encourage vibrant foliage, enhancing photosynthesis and overall vitality. Although it likes moisture, Acer macrophyllum needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Good drainage allows excess water to escape, protecting the roots from becoming waterlogged and decaying.
How to Fertilize Bigleaf maple?
Acer macrophyllum, or the Bigleaf Maple, requires balanced fertilization to thrive. For liquid fertilizers, a mixture diluted to half the recommended strength is advised. This ensures the plant receives sufficient nutrients without overwhelming its roots. When using slow-release fertilizers, apply sparingly around the drip line, aiming for about 1 cup per inch of trunk diameter. This balance maintains healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
How to Prune Bigleaf maple?
Ensure you're using the appropriate tools such as pruning shears, loppers, and saws, which should be sharp and clean to make precise cuts and prevent infection. Avoid pruning more than 25% of the tree's canopy at one time in order to prevent stress. Acer macrophyllum, like many maples, can be sensitive to over-pruning which can lead to poor growth response.
How to Propagate Bigleaf maple plant?
1
Prepare the seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours to help soften the seed coat and improve germination rates. Plant them in a sterile seed mix in trays, ensuring they are covered lightly with soil.
2
Select healthy, disease-free branches and use sharp pruning shears to take cuttings of about 6-8 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a mix of sand and peat.
3
For grafting, prepare a scion of Acer macrophyllum with several buds. Make a matching cut on both the rootstock and the scion to ensure a snug fit. Bind them tightly with grafting tape and keep them in a humid environment to encourage fusion.
How to Repot Bigleaf maple plant?
1
Bigleaf maple should be repotted when you notice the roots emerging from the drainage holes or when the growth seems stunted. Early spring or autumn is ideal as the plant is neither in dormancy nor active growth, allowing for a stress-free transition.
2
Select a pot that's one size larger than the current one, providing enough room for root expansion. Ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. A slightly heavier pot can offer stability to this sometimes top-heavy tree.
3
Opt for well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter to maintain moisture without waterlogging. Such soil provides necessary nutrients and fosters healthy root development, crucial for the robust growth of Acer macrophyllum.
