Species Name: Acer macrophyllum BIG LEAF MAPLE
Family: Aceraceae (maple family)
Plant Type: Broad-leaf tree
Leaf: Palmate, opposite, width to 10 inches, with 3-5 deeply cut, irregularly toothed lobes, surface shiny green but paler underneath.
Flower: April-May, bisexual, also separate sexes: develop in long, drooping clusters of petaled, fragrant, greenish-yellow small flowers. Flowers appear after leaves.
Fruit/Seed: Distinctive paired achenes with wings, wings spreading <90°.
Typical Location: Floodplain, streamside, moist shady areas, riparian zone as well as hillsides outside the riparian zone, common; elevations below 5,000 feet.
Revegetation Approach: Container
Key Notes: Related to the box elder (A. negundo) and vine maple (A. circinatum). Easily distinguished by leaf shape.
Notes: Trees provide shade, shelter and roosting areas. Seedlings, leaves, buds, flowers and seeds provide forage for a range of mammals and birds.
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