April 10, 1806, at Bonneville Dam, Oregon-Washington.
Small to large tree with broad, rounded crown of spreading or drooping branches and the largest leaves of all maples. Height: 30-70 ft (9-21 m). Diameter: 1-2.5 ft (0.3-0.8 m). Flowers 0.3 in (0.8 cm) long; yellow and fragrant.
Stream banks and in moist canyon soils; sometimes in pure stands.
Southwestern British Columbia to southern California; to 1,000 ft (305 m) in north; at 3,000-5,500 ft (914-1,676 m) in south.
The common and scientific names describe the very large leaves. The only western maple with wood of commercial importance. Indians made canoe paddles from the wood, and maple sugar can be obtained from the sap.
