SelecTree: Tree Detail
BLACK MAPLE
Acer saccharum subsp. nigrum
Photo Locations: Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL
General Notes
Thrives on fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Can grow in dry conditions but does not thrive there.
Family: Sapindaceae
Previously listed in the Aceraceae family.
Synonyms
Acer nigrum
Tree Characteristics
Erect or Spreading and requires ample growing space.
Rounded Shape.
Has Deciduous foliage.
Height: 60 feet.
Width: 40 feet.
Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Year.
Longevity 50 to 150 years.
Leaves Lobed and Palmate, Light Green, Golden or Yellow or Orange, Deciduous.
Flowers Inconspicuous. Green or Yellow. Flowers in Spring. Has separate male and female reproductive parts on the same tree (monoecious).
Beige, Rose or Mostly Green Samara, Medium (0.50 - 1.50 inches), fruiting in Summer.
Bark Black or Dark Brown, Fissured.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderate in Leaf.
Shading Capacity Rated as Low out of Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 1 - 10 and 14 - 20.
Exposure Full Sun to Full Shade.
Moist to Dry and Well Drained Soil.
Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Aphids, Anthracnose, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot and Verticillium.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Strong.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Moderate.
None Known Health Hazard.
Attracts Bees.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Acer saccharum subsp. nigrum Tree Record." 1995-2021. Apr 17, 2021.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/acer-saccharum-nigrum >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.