Bigleaf Maple
October 20, 2022
By Adam Huggins
Bigleaf Maple
Acer macrophyllum
- Hul’qumi’num Name: ts’alhulp
- Description: Deciduous tree can grow up to 30m tall. Small, greenish-yellow clustered flowers produce winged seeds. The distinct, five-lobed leaves yield beautiful fall colour.
- Habitat: Can tolerate drier areas but prefers moist sites.
- Harvest: Flowers from March-May.
- Edibility: Flowers and sprouted seeds can be eaten. The sap is sweet.
- Fun Fact: Lives up to 200 years old! The bark attracts a variety of mosses which can form a thick layer, allowing other trees to sprout. These are known as ‘canopy roots’.
