{"product_id":"big-leaf-maple","title":"Big Leaf Maple","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"983\" class=\"\"\u003eBig Leaf Maple is a magnificent native tree of coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, known for its broad canopy, towering height, and signature hand-shaped leaves. The leaves can grow to over 30 cm across, turning a rich golden yellow in autumn. In spring, its dangling clusters of pale green flowers feed native pollinators, while the bark and branches provide shelter for countless organisms. A keystone species in coastal ecosystems, it also offers value as a shade tree and produces sap that can be tapped for maple syrup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1248\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1023\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Big Leaf Maple?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1026\"\u003eThis species prefers moist, well-drained soils and full to partial sun. It thrives in woodland edges, riparian zones, and larger garden landscapes in Zones 5-9. Once established, it is drought tolerant and low maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1586\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003eUsed for millennia by First Nations along the West Coast, the Big Leaf Maple provided wood for paddles, tools, and carvings, while the inner bark was sometimes woven into ropes. Today it remains important ecologically and is increasingly tapped for artisanal maple syrup production in coastal climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1950\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1617\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1620\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1634\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in autumn or cold stratify and plant in spring for consistent germination.\u003cbr data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1723\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1737\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stratify seeds in moist sand in the fridge for 60-90 days before planting outdoors in spring.\u003cbr data-start=\"1831\" data-end=\"1834\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1834\" data-end=\"1848\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be grown in containers and transplanted after 1–2 years; protect young saplings from deep freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1950\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1952\" data-end=\"2339\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1952\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Big Leaf Maple\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"1997\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1997\" data-end=\"2010\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds outdoors in fall or stratify indoors and transplant in spring.\u003cbr data-start=\"2083\" data-end=\"2086\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2086\" data-end=\"2099\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in the first year to establish roots.\u003cbr data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2153\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2168\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not typically harvested as a crop; sap collection possible in late winter.\u003cbr data-start=\"2243\" data-end=\"2246\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2262\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch around young trees; prune to shape and remove damaged limbs as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2341\" data-end=\"2656\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2341\" data-end=\"2379\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2382\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2400\"\u003eCollect Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gather winged samaras in autumn once they fall naturally.\u003cbr data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2461\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2479\"\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air dry seeds; remove from wings if storing.\u003cbr data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2527\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2537\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in cool, dark, and dry conditions.\u003cbr data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2580\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2594\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds retain viability for up to 2 years with proper storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2737\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2682\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2682\" data-end=\"2685\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2685\" data-end=\"2737\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811189403890,"sku":"MF-NATIVE-037","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Big_Leaf_Maple.jpg?v=1772481901","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/big-leaf-maple","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}