Botanical Name: Acer nigrum
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Common Name: Black Maple  
Plant photo of: Acer nigrum
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40', 40-60'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Silhouette

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Street Tree

 

Special Uses

Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

An upright oval maple related to Sugar Maple but reputedly more heat and drought resistant. Leaves are yellow-orange, instead of red, in the fall. Grows 40 to 50 feet tall and about 20 feet wide; it has an upright and narrow habit. 'Green Column' is a selection from Iowa, and is more adapted to hot dry conditions.
Grow in full sun in well drained soil, preferably clay-loam to sandy-loam. Hardy to USDA Zone 4. Medium growth rate. Over-watering is detreimental to maples, causing crown rot and bark cracking. Prune only if necessary, and do so selectively (see the Guides).