Images of the Black Maple (Acer nigrum)

Black Maple

Acer nigrum

Native to North America, also called Hard Maple and Rock Maple, it is one of the sugar maples. Its bark is darker colored than that of Acer saccharum. Its leaves generally have 3 lobes, but may have 5, with the notches between the lobes much more shallow and rounded than in those of A. saccharum.

Habitat:It should be noted that Black Maple may be distinguished from Acer saccharum more by its native locations than by genetic or morphological differences. Black Maple grows on calcareous soils.

Growth Habit:Deciduous tree growing to 40 m (100 ft) tall with a full, tall, rounded crown and very dark, furrowed bark.

Bloom Time:In early spring, flowers form before the leaves.

Presence in US:AL AR CT IA IL IN KS KY MA MI MN MO NH NJ NY OH PA TN VA VT WI WV

Presence in Canada:ON QC

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).