Distribution of Acer macrophyllum in British Columbia.
(Please note that these maps show a summary of all available distribution
data, and that not all data is vetted. Visit our About the Data page to
learn about our data sources, and visit our interactive maps for more
insight.)
The interactive maps allow you to add information layers to the
map, and also allow you to access collection data.
Click on the image below to view an
expanded illustration for this species. If more than one illustration is
available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two
subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below.
General: Large, deciduous, spreading tree up to 30 m tall; branches greenish barked, smooth; older bark greyish-brown, ridged and often covered with lichens and mosses.
Leaves: Opposite, 10-30 cm wide, deeply 5-lobed, tips abruptly sharp-pointed, dark green above and paler green below, turning yellow in fall, stalks with milky juice when cut.
Flowers: Inflorescence racemose with male and female flowers on the same plant; numerous on short stalks, appearing with or before the leaves; petals greenish-white,
Fruits: Winged, in pairs, 3-6 cm long, yellowish-brown, hairy, pairs attached in a V-shape.
The table below shows the species-specific information calculated from original data (BEC database) provided by the BC Ministry of Forests and Range. (Updated August, 2008)
A shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, Western North American deciduous broadleaved tree distributed more in the Pacific than the Cordilleran region. Occurs in maritime to submaritime cool mesothermal climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils (Moder and Mull humus forms). Its occurrence decreases with increasing elevation, latitude, and continentality. Common in pure or mixed-species stands (usually with red alder or black cottonwood) on alluvial, seepage, and stream-edge sites; occasional on water-shedding sites; dominant in primary succession on fragmental colluvial soils. This fast -growing tree regenerates abundantly from stump sprouts in clearings, thus hindering regeneration and growth of conifers. Its calcium-rich bark supports well developed corticolous moss communities. Characteristic of young-seral forests.
Source: Indicator Plants of Coastal British Columbia (Indicator Information applies to coastal locations only)
HABITAT/RANGE
Moist to mesic forests and open slopes in the lowland and montane zones; common in SW BC west of the Coast-Cascade Mountains; S to CA, disjunct in ID.
Invasive Status: Acer macrophyllum is not invasive.
Note:
Species currently listed as "invasive" on the E-Flora BC atlas pages come from
a comprehensive list of invasive and noxious species for BC compiled by E-Flora BC.
Note that a species can be alien to the province but not considered invasive.
Visit E-Flora BC's
list of invasive, alien and noxious species in BC for more details.
MEDICINAL AND POISONOUS PLANT
INFORMATION
Species not indicated as poisonous in our database.
Please cite these pages as: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2010. E-Flora BC:
Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia [eflora.bc.ca]. Lab for
Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British
Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed:
2/9/2010 1:46:06 PM]
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the E-Flora atlas pages is derived from expert
sources as cited in each section. This information is scientifically based.
E-Flora also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links. As
always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information.
E-Flora BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the
original information.
