Black Maple

Black maple (*Acer nigrum*), also classified by some references as sugar maple subsp. *nigrum*, is a large North American shade tree with a dense, rounded crown, dark furrowed bark, and vivid autumn color. It is best suited to parks and spacious residential landscapes where its mature canopy has room to spread. ## Form and seasonal interest Expect a mature tree roughly 60–80 feet tall and 40–50 feet wide, with a broad, rounded crown. The thick, dark-green leaves usually have three to five lobes and may droop slightly at their edges. Small pale yellow-green flowers appear in spring, followed by paired winged seeds (samaras). Autumn foliage can turn yellow, orange, or red, with color varying by site and weather. ## Landscape placement Use black maple as a long-lived shade or specimen tree in a park, large lawn, or other open site. Its canopy is too broad for a narrow planting strip and it should not be crowded under overhead lines. Black maple is closely related to sugar maple and is sometimes classified as *Acer saccharum* subsp. *nigrum*; sources also differ somewhat on its mature size, so allow generous space rather than planning around a compact form. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade. It does best in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates acid or alkaline conditions. Once established, it can manage some dry periods, but it is not a no-water tree: prolonged drought may cause leaf scorch. Road salt and air pollution are also poor fits. For regional hardiness, the [Morton Arboretum lists zones 4–8](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/black-maple/); match the tree to the local climate and provide water during establishment. ## Wildlife and identification Spring flowers provide forage for insect pollinators, and birds eat the seeds. Black maple can be distinguished from sugar maple by its darker bark and foliage, hairy leaf undersides, and leafy stipules at the leaf stalks. The species is sometimes tapped for maple syrup, though its main landscape role is shade. ## Sources - [The Morton Arboretum: Black maple](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/black-maple/) - [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: *Acer nigrum*](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-nigrum/common-name/black-maple/) - [Iowa State University Extension: Black maple](https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/black_maple.html) - [Royal Horticultural Society: *Acer saccharum* subsp. *nigrum*](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/90714/acer-saccharum-subsp-nigrum/details) ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes, then irrigate during extended dry spells. Inspect the crown periodically and remove damaged or crossing branches as needed. Avoid pruning in early spring, when maples may bleed sap heavily. Rake samaras and leaves from hard surfaces if they accumulate; leave healthy leaf litter under the canopy where practical. No cultivar-specific breeder or patent information applies to this species record.