Black Maple

Acer nigrum
Sapindaceae
Acer nigrum leaf JB
Acer nigrum bark JB
Acer nigrum form JB
Acer nigrum trunk JB
Frequently hybridizes with sugar maple, considered by some to be a subspecies of sugar maple. Black maple typically has larger, drooping, 3-lobed leaves.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Early source of nectar; moth/butterfly host; bat roosting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 8
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
273
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight or dappled shade all day
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Verticillium wilt
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
5
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Frequent
  • Oak Mixed: Occasional
  • Alluvial: Occasional
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acid-Neutral (pH 5.5-7.5)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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