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Here in Oregon, particularly in the beautiful Willamette Valley, the landscape is graced by the presence of the magnificent bigleaf maple. Bigleaf maple’s scientific name is Acer macrophyllum. These stately trees, with their broad leaves, are an integral part of our native ecosystem. Yet, the relationship between these maples and the forests of Oregon hasn't always been one of admiration.
Historically, during the height of Oregon's logging boom, the bigleaf maple was often viewed with disdain. Its rapid growth and expansive canopy were seen as a nuisance, shading out the more commercially valuable Douglas fir and other conifers. Bigleaf maples were sometimes even actively removed to make way for timber production. While this perspective is still prevalent today, a growing community of people are beginning to recognize their ecological importance and the sweet potential hidden within their sap.
Bigleaf maple trees in Santiam Buttes Farm's forest.
It’s crucial to remember that the bigleaf maple is a native species in Oregon. For millennia, it has thrived in the Pacific Northwest, its range stretching from southern Oregon all the way up through British Columbia. In the Willamette Valley, whether you're strolling through the forests around Albany, exploring the green spaces of Salem, hiking in the hills near Eugene, or even finding pockets of nature within the bustling city of Portland, the bigleaf maple is a familiar and grounding presence.
Beyond its historical presence, Acer macrophyllum plays a vital role in supporting the biodiversity of our forests. Its large leaves create a rich leaf litter layer, contributing to soil health and providing habitat for a variety of invertebrates. The dense canopy offers shade and shelter for numerous bird species and small mammals. In the spring, its flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for native pollinators, contributing to the overall health and resilience of our ecosystems. These maples truly are keystone species, supporting a complex web of life within our Oregon woodlands.
Now, a new chapter is unfolding in the story of the bigleaf maple in Oregon. While traditionally not as widely tapped as its eastern cousins like the sugar maple (Acer saccharum), the bigleaf maple is gaining recognition for its potential in maple syrup production. While the sap of the bigleaf maple does have a lower sugar content compared to other maple species, requiring a greater volume of sap to produce the same amount of syrup, the resulting syrup boasts a unique flavor. This bold, dark syrup is often described as having a subtle caramel-like flavor that is distinctly Oregonian. You may even notice notes of chocolate in some bigleaf syrups!
A bigleaf maple tree with spiles and buckets at Santiam Buttes Farm.
From being considered an impediment to valuable timber, to being embraced for its ecological contributions and its delicious syrup, the bigleaf maple is experiencing a well-deserved shift in perception. These magnificent native trees are not just a part of Oregon's past; they are a vital component of its present and hold exciting potential for its future. As we continue to explore the bounty of our local forests, the bigleaf maple stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of our natural world and the sweet rewards that can come from appreciating all its inhabitants.
Interested in trying some bigleaf maple syrup for yourself? Visit our Products page to see what we have in stock!
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