Acer macrophyllum, “Bigleaf Maples” produce paired winged “Samaras” which, when ripe, disperse and twirl like helicopters in the breeze.Acer negundo v. californicum, “California Box Elder” is another Maple relative with a winged Samara often pink or red while ripening.Fraxinus latifolia, “Oregon Ash”, more closely related to Olives than Maples, also has a winged samara and is also most often found along riparian corridors.
