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Native Plant Gardening/Wildlife Habitat: The big leaf maple is a favorite of creatures great and small. The
numerous seeds that often remain on the tree into winter are eaten by
songbirds such as evening grosbeaks, and small mammals. The early blooming
spring flowers are a great nectar source for bees and other insects. Birds
love to perch and nest within the broad network of branches. Its long–lasting
downed woody debris creates important habitat for cavity nesting birds.
The decaying wood attracts a host of insects that in turn feed a multitude
of insectivorous birds. The woody debris decomposes slowly in streams and
rivers, creating perfect fish habitat. Tender twigs, shoots and leaves are
consumed by black-tailed and mule deer as well as elk. For a successful
garden, plant the trees along with its native companions sword
fern (Polystichum
munitum), Oregon
grape (Mahonia [Berberis]
nervosa), and salal (Gautheria
shalon). Its natural communities also include Douglas
fir (Psuedotsuga
menziesii), western
hemlock (Tsuga
heterophylla), vine
maple (Acer
circinatum), and willows (Salix
species).
Restoration and Mitigation Values: This majestic maple is
great for revegetation of stream banks and steep slopes. Like its
relatives, the massive root system of the big leaf maple exhibits
excellent soil binding properties. With its tendency to produce copious
amounts of seed, planting just a few maples will ensure that many new
generations of maples will carry on.
NOTE: See commercial availability on our
Wholesale websites for Bareroot
and Containerized
plants.
Historical and Cultural Uses: Big leaf maple is the only
western maple considered to have any real commercial significance. The
large dense burls that form at the base of the tree are esteemed for their
attractive knotted grain patterns. The finely grained wood is fairly solid
and can be fashioned into fine furniture, interior finishing, musical
instruments, and cabinets as well as innumerable craft projects.
Traditionally, Native Americans and aboriginal groups gathered the wood
for burning or carving into canoe oars; it was called the “paddle tree”
by many tribes. The wonderfully large leaves made good temporary
containers and could be used to cover food cooking in the fire pits. It
was said that if you rubbed the leaves on a prepubescent male it would
prevent the boy from growing thick whiskers. The fibrous inner bark of the
maple was also gathered and worked into ropes and baskets.
Edible and Medicinal Uses:* Of all the native Northwest
maples, the big leaf has the sweetest sap. However, the sugar content is
still quite less than the famous sugar maple and you’ll need to gather a
lot more sap to produce the same amount of sweet syrup. The maple’s
fragrant flowers are sweet tasting and make beautiful garnishes for salads
and cakes. The raw shoots can be eaten fresh or dried and then boiled, but
it is usually only consumed in extreme situations.
Traditional decoctions
of big leaf maple leaves were prepared by Native Americans to treat sore
throats. The bark has also been described as a remedy for tuberculosis,
which can be boiled to make a tea.
* Please use caution when preparing or eating any parts of a
plant. Identification of the species and knowledge of a plant’s toxicity
are both essential before using any plant species medicinally or
otherwise. Please consult with a heath professional before attempting to
treat any ailment.
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