COMMON NAME: 
Bigleaf Maple
LATIN NAME: 
Acer macrophyllum
GIVEN NAME:
 “Maplenop”
COLLECTOR: 
Leighton Donahue, Summit Atlas School, GR 6
DATE COLLECTED: 10/21/24
LOCATION: Fauntleroy Creek Watershed

LOCATION OF DRIED SPECIMEN: Summit Atlas School, West Seattle, WA

The bigleaf maple or Acer macrophyllum ( the latin name) is native to the pacific northwest. The bigleaf maple is not one of the longest living trees in the northwest. It can only live up to 200 years. This arboretum has two bigleaf maples that I have documented, named Maplenop and Bornrdo.

The bigleaf maple can grow up to 100 feet tall! The wood is commonly used in making furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments. Even though it makes cool furniture it takes away an important habitat and food for various wildlife such as birds and insects. Its flowers are a source of nectar for pollinators. Did you know that there is a fungus that is killing trees. So if you see white stuff on your bigleaf maple you know that it may being killed!!!

– Leighton D, Summit Atlas School, GR 6