Mountain Maple vs Big Leaf Maple - TreeTime.ca

Mountain Maple vs Big Leaf Maple

Acer spicatum

Acer macrophyllum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

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Big Leaf Maple

Used to growing in the shadows of the damp forest, White Maple (aka Mountain Maple) is a great fit for shady and wet areas, such as beneath larger trees. Unlike most of its cousins, the White Maple is a shrub instead of a tree. It's still a maple, however, with sap that can be made into Maple syrup to prove it!

In May and June, the classic shapes of Maple leaves are joined by clusters of green and yellow flowers. Soon after, red samaras (aka helicopter seeds or whirligigs) appear. This distinctive appearance makes White Maple an excellent choice for giving urban yards a unique (and patriotic) look.

Big Leaf Maple has a broad, rounded crown and the largest leaves of all the maples. The pleasant shape and large leaves make this maple a striking and attractive tree. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and orange.

Big Leaf Maple is a soil building species, meaning that it improves the soil conditions where it grows.

Mountain Maple Quick Facts

Big Leaf Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: very large in classic maple shape
Fall colour: purple to bright red to yellow
Fall colour: yellow to gold
Bark: thin reddish or greyish
Flowers: yellow and green
Seeds: winged samaras
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: white maple
Other Names: big-leaf maple, bigleaf maple, oregon maple