Acer macrophyllum

Big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum, is a deciduous Tree, to 50 feet, but normally more like 30 feet ,often developing several trunks. Large maple leaves colorful in autumn. Native from Alaska to southern California.(You didn't know California had maple trees? Those are the yellows and oranges you see on the mountain slopes.) A good native tree near lawns, needs lots of water for the first year or so if planted out of its range; in its native range can be drought tolerant. Big leaf maple grows very fast (10 feet in one season is possible), resents interior heat unless the humidity is high. Susceptible to powdery mildew in hot summer, low humidity areas (overhead watering helps to inhibit the mildew. So if you are in Bakersfield plant this maple only in lawns. Serpentine tolerant, clay tolerant, not at its best in sandy soils but will survive. Why are people from central and northern California planting Japanese maples? Too much Sushi?