Other Common Names/Trade Names: Soft maple
Scientific Name: Acer macrophyllum
Best Characteristics for Identification: Rays are wider than pores.
Uses: Burls. Lumber and veneer especially when figured grain is present.
General Natural Range: British Columbia to Southern California. Primarily a coastal species.
Identical or Nearly Identical Species: Red maple and other soft maples.
Other Species Easily Confused With: Sugar maple, birches.
Means of Distinguishing Similar Species : Bigleaf maple has slightly larger pores than other maples and the heartwood has a pinkish cast. All maples have rays wider than the pores whereas birches have pores wider than the rays.