Oregon Maple
Acer macrophyllumfam. Sapindaceae
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Pl. 892C — Acer macrophyllum
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IOverview
Overview
Oregon Maple (Acer macrophyllum), a member of the Sapindaceae family, is native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from Alaska and British Columbia southward through California and into Washington. This large deciduous tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade. Known for its edible parts including flowers, inner bark, leaves, sap, seeds, and shoots, Oregon Maple has been utilized by indigenous peoples for both food and medicine. Its distinctive feature is the large, palmate leaves that can span up to 25 centimeters across, making it a notable ornamental tree in gardens and forests alike.
Quick answers
What is Oregon Maple?
Oregon Maple (Acer macrophyllum), a member of the Sapindaceae family, is native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from Alaska and British Columbia southward through California and into Washington. This large deciduous tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Maple and Marsh
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Oregon Maple thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.8 and 7.2. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The plant's edible parts include flowers, inner bark, leaves, sap, shoots, and seeds. Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Oregon Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with planting an Oregon Maple sapling for a beginner-friendly approach.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Oregon Maple sapling, well-draining soil, and a watering can or hose.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your planting site has light, medium, or clay soil with a pH between 4.8–7.2 and good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground; avoid sowing seeds as they are difficult to germinate.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun or full sun depending on local conditions. Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches; leaves can be collected for compost.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to prune, planting in full sun where partial shade is preferred, and using the wrong soil type.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersInner barkLeavesSapSeedShoots
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Weaving materialCompanionFiberFire starterHairPreservativeScourerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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