Japanese Maple vs Big Leaf Maple - TreeTime.ca

Japanese Maple vs Big Leaf Maple

Acer macrophyllum

Acer palmatum

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Big Leaf Maple
Japanese Maple

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.

Japanese Maple is one of the most popular accent maples. Its long, fingered lobed leaves can be variegated in the summer with lighter shades of green, red, or even purple. Its autumn colour is a brilliant red that is uncommon in most plants, which adds nice contrast to your yard when planted near other trees.


The Japanese Maple is a diverse variety, there are over 1,000 cultivars with different sizes, shapes, and colours.

This species is extremely popular with bonsai enthusiasts.

Big Leaf Maple Quick Facts

Japanese Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 5a
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Foliage: very large in classic maple shape
Foliage: wide, palm-like
Fall colour: yellow to gold
Fall colour: bright red to yellow
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: BC
Other Names: big-leaf maple, bigleaf maple, oregon maple
Other Names: palmate maple, smooth japanese maple