planting a maple seed Bigleaf Maple

Bigleaf Maple (a.k.a. Broadleaf Maple or Oregon Maple) is sometimes thought of as the “Grande Dame” of all maple trees. It is big, beautiful, and an amazing shade provider. Its 1-foot across, five-lobed leaves are the largest of any maple: hence, its name and its unparalleled ability to cast shade and put on a color-show in fall. Leaves reaching an astounding two feet across have been reported. The “National Champion” Acer macrophyllum resides in Oregon and stands around 90 feet tall with a 100-foot crown spread and an enormous, muscular trunk, over 8 feet across. By any standard, Bigleaf Maple is a very impressive citizen of the natural world with much to offer in terms of both beauty and commercial value. In fact, it is the only commercially valuable hardwood in its native region. Its wood is used for furniture, piano frames, paneling and veneers, and its sap can even be made into syrup.

Bigleaf Maples are native to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, almost always found within 200 miles of the Pacific Ocean, from southern Alaska down to southern California. Limited stands can also be found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and there is even a small population in Idaho. Bigleaf Maples are usually 60 – 80 feet tall with broad, rounded crowns spreading to around 50 feet across. It is the second most abundant tree found in the Pacific Northwest, and it grows over a wide range of temperature and moisture conditions, from the cool, moist, marine climate of coastal British Columbia to the warm, dry, growing seasons of southern California. Cold hardy, as well as heat tolerant, it prefers temperatures which remain above 8°F in winter and below 100°F in summer.

Acer macrophyllum throws down a massive root system with excellent soil fixing abilities. In addition to its huge leaves, Bigleaf Maples have the distinction of playing host to a variety of moss, lichens, and Licorice Ferns, which grow right from the tree’s nutrient-rich bark, adding to the tree’s interest and loveliness. When pretty and petite just won’t cut the mustard, here is a tree that is big, bold, and beautiful! An unmatched shade-tree, Bigleaf Maples do not go unnoticed — and for good reason!

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Growing a tree from seed is a magical and fascinating experience for people of all ages. Our 100% guaranteed Grow Kits provide everything you need to germinate some of the world's largest and most interesting tree species from seed — seeds, growing medium, a mini-greenhouse, and detailed instructions, which lead you through the whole process, from cold-stratifying your seeds to germination and transplanting.

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If your seed fails to germinate or your seedling perishes, we are happy to provide free replacement seed. We encourage all customers experiencing difficulties growing their trees to contact us through our toll-free "Tree Help Line" (1-888-387-3379).