Black Maple
Acer saccharum nigrum
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Pl. 3CE8 — Acer saccharum nigrum
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IOverview
Overview
Black Maple (Acer saccharum nigrum) is a deciduous tree native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, including Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ontario, and Pennsylvania. Known for its edible qualities, parts such as inner bark, sap, and seeds can be harvested. This plant thrives in moist soil with a pH range of 3.7 to 7.9, growing best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and reaches heights of up to 25 meters. One distinctive feature is its ability to produce sap, which can be tapped for maple syrup, similar to the sugar maple but with a darker color and potentially different flavor profile.
Quick answers
What is Black Maple?
Black Maple (Acer saccharum nigrum) is a deciduous tree native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, including Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ontario, and Pennsylvania. Known for its edible qualities, parts such as inner bark, sap, and seeds can be harvested.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black Maple thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions, generally zones 4-6. For cultivation, ensure the soil pH ranges between 3.7 and 7.9 for optimal growth. Harvest inner bark, sap, and seeds for edible uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-6
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
25.0 m tall
Soil pH
3.7–7.9
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Black Maple tree for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Black Maple sapling, garden gloves, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil drains well; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground or a large container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them; mature trees may need occasional shaping and deadwood removal.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkSapSeed
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Fire starterPreservativeLumberDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native· 2 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Poland
Asia1 region
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
native:Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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