48. Bigleaf Maple

Tree Tour

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Going to the other end of the bicycle rack, between Balmer and Denny Halls, is a Bigleaf Maple, of monumental size, which was forestry professor Frank Brockman's favorite campus tree. Native here, this species stretches from southeast B.C. through California, but is generally confined to the coastal strip, within 200 miles of the Pacific Ocean. From other maples it is set apart by its exceptionally large leaves, drooping flower clusters and winged seeds. Moreover, it grows about as large as any other. Its fall color is less spectacular, being usually a gold of average luster, rather rarely a bright yellow or glowing gold. The specimen here is perhaps 100 years old, and is showing its age. If in the forest, it would be taller, with moss and ferns on its trunk.

Pictured below: Map showing geographical range of Bigleaf Maple.

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