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bigleaf maple
bigleaf maple botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

bigleaf maple

Acer macrophyllum

Honeybees forage heavily on bigleaf maple for nectar and pollen during its early spring bloom, contributing to significant honey flows in the Pacific Northwest when weather permits. Peak bloom typically hits in April to May, aiding post-winter colony expansion. The large tree stature means it provides forage for many hives but requires ample space in apiary vicinities.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
BloomMarch–May
USDA zones5-9
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeWestern North America
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