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Description
Acer Nigrum, commonly known as the black maple, is a deciduous tree that is native to the eastern parts of North America. It is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. The black maple has a dense, rounded crown with a straight trunk that is covered in gray-brown bark. The leaves are dark green, lobed, and have a matte finish. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow or orange before falling off.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The black maple has a unique appearance that distinguishes it from other maple trees. The bark of a mature tree is gray-brown and has shallow fissures. The leaves of the black maple are dark green, lobed, and have a matte finish. They are typically 3-6 inches long and have five lobes. The lobes are deeply notched, creating a shape that resembles a “V.” The leaves turn a beautiful yellow or orange color in the fall before falling off.
Care Guide
The black maple is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips for caring for your black maple:
Water: Water your black maple regularly during the first year after planting to help establish its roots. After the first year, it should be able to survive on natural rainfall alone.
Fertilization: Fertilize your black maple once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.
Soil: The black maple prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy clay or alkaline, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
Sunlight: The black maple prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and a sparse crown.
Hardiness Zones: The black maple is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The black maple is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing, wilting, and death of leaves. It can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overhead watering.
Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and distorted leaves. They can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Borers: These insects tunnel into the bark and can cause damage to the trunk and branches. They can be prevented by keeping the tree healthy and avoiding mechanical damage to the bark.
Habitat
The black maple is native to the eastern parts of North America, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including stream banks, floodplains, and upland forests. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the black maple a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the black maple is an excellent shade tree. Its dense, rounded crown provides ample shade, and it is relatively low-maintenance once established.
Q: What is the difference between the black maple and the sugar maple?
A: The black maple and the sugar maple are similar in appearance, but the black maple has a darker bark and leaves that are matte instead of shiny. The sugar maple also has a higher sugar content in its sap.
Q: Can the black maple be tapped for maple syrup?
A: Yes, the black maple can be tapped for maple syrup, but it has a lower sugar content than the sugar maple, so it requires more sap to produce the same amount of syrup.
Q: Can the black maple tolerate drought?
A: The black maple is relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it prefers moist soil and may suffer during prolonged periods of drought.
Related Plants
Here are some other maple trees that are related to the black maple:
- Acer saccharum (sugar maple)
- Acer rubrum (red maple)
- Acer negundo (boxelder)
- Acer palmatum (Japanese maple)
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021). Acer nigrum: Black Maple. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st698
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Acer nigrum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277921&isprofile=0&
- USDA. (n.d.). Acer nigrum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACNI4
