Family: Aceraceae, Maple view all from this family

Description Small to large tree with broad, rounded crown of spreading or drooping branches and the largest leaves of all maples.
Height: 30-70' (9-21 m).
Diameter: 1-2 1/2' (0.3-0.8 m).
Leaves: opposite; 6-10" (15-25 cm) long and wide. Rounded, with 5 deep, long-pointed lobes (sometimes 3); edges with few small, blunt lobes and teeth; 5 main veins; slightly thickened. Shiny dark green above, paler and hairy beneath; turning orange or yellow in autumn. Leafstalks to 10" (25 cm); stout, with milky sap when broken.
Bark: brown, furrowed into small 4-sided plates.
Twigs: green, stout, hairless.
Flowers: 1/4" (6 mm) long; many on slender stalks; yellow; fragrant; male and female together in narrow, drooping clusters to 6" (15 cm) long at end of leafy twig; in spring.
Fruit: 1-1 1/2" (2.5-4 cm) long; paired, long-winged keys; brown, with stiff yellowish hairs; 1-seeded; maturing in autumn.

Habitat Stream banks and in moist canyon soils; sometimes in pure stands.

Range SW. British Columbia to S. California; to 1000' (305 m) in north; at 3000-5500' (914-1676 m) in south.

Discussion The common and scientific names describe the very large leaves. A handsome shade tree and particularly showy in autumn, it is popular on the Pacific Coast. The only western maple with wood of commercial importance, it is used for veneer, furniture, handles, woodenware, and novelties. Indians made canoe paddles from the wood, and maple sugar can be obtained from the sap.