Oregon Maple, Bigleaf maple, Oregon Maple

Acer macrophyllum

Physical Characteristics

Acer macrophyllum is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - southern Alaska to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Leaves Sap Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Sweetener The sap contains a certain amount of sugar and can either be used as a drink, or can be concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water[105, 177, 183]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. The concentration of sugar is somewhat lower than in the sugar maples (A. saccharum). The tree trunk is tapped in the early spring, the sap flowing better on warm sunny days following a frost. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates. Inner bark[177]. Eaten in small quantities with oil[257]. No more details are given but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread. The leaves, when wrapped round food during baking, impart a nice flavour to the food[99, 118]. Yellow flower clusters - raw. They are sweet with nectar[183]. Seeds - sprouted and then boiled[226]. The sprouted seeds are generally bitter, but the young shoots are quite sweet and juicy[257]. The seeds are about 6mm long and are produced in small clusters[82].

Medicinal Uses

TB Tonic An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of TB[257]. The raw sap has been used as a tonic[257].

Known Hazards

None known