Description
If you have Black Walnuts around you that make it difficult to find trees that can thrive, the Black Maple is a species worth considering because it tolerates the jugulone secreted by Black Walnuts.
Black maple was once considered a separate species (Acer nigrum) but it is now considered a subspecies of sugar maple (Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum). It displays similar characteristics: dense, rounded crown; dark, furrowed bark; and brilliant fall color.
The leaves of the Black Maple are three lobed with a hairy undersurface, as compared to the 5-lobed leaves of the Sugar Maple. The foliage is dark green in summer, changing to yellow in fall.
The Black Maple is best suited to back yards because it does not tolerate salt spray, which is possible in front yard locations.
With its height and large canopy, it will make an excellent source of shade.
Because it prefers moist soil, be sure to water frequently.
| Black Maple Facts and Features | |
| Mature Size | 18 - 23 m. (60-75 feet) high by 12 - 15 m. (40-50 feet) wide |
| Sun/Shade | Prefers Full Sun but tolerates Full Shade |
| Moisture | Grows best in moist soil, but can tolerate drought. |
| Soil | Moist, Acid soil - well-drained. |
| Flowers | No |
| Fruit | No |
| Special Features | Brilliant Fall Colour. Excellent shade tree. Tolerant of Black Walnut toxicity. |
