This species has the largest leaves of any maple, hence the common name (and the scientific specific epithet macrophyllum, which means big leaf). It is a large, often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree, which may reach a height of 35 m (115 ft). The greenish-yellow flowers, which are borne in large, hanging clusters, mature to produce winged fruits (samaras) that are disseminated by wind. This tree occurs on dry to moist sites, at low to middle elevations from southwestern British Columbia to southern California. It occurs throughout the Hul’q’umi’num’ territory.