Image of Acer nigrum
Source: Douglas Goldman
Acer nigrum

Plant Names

image of Deciduous Tree
Acer nigrum
Black Maple
Érable noir

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: Green Bloom Period: Apr - Apr
Max Height: 95.0 feet
Max Width: 60.0 feet
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses: No landscape information available.
Ecological Benefits:
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
drought Tolerant Tolerates drought conditions
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
GRASP candidate This plant is a GRASP candidate

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Black maple is a native deciduous tree closely related to sugar maple, growing in rich forests, floodplains, and moist woodland areas. It has a dense, rounded crown, dark grey bark, and large leaves that often have a drooping appearance. Like sugar maple, it produces brilliant fall colour and provides valuable habitat in mature forests.

Provides food and shelter for many wildlife species. The seeds (samaras) are eaten by squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and some birds. The foliage supports many native caterpillars, including species of moths and butterflies, which are an important food source for nesting birds. Mature trees provide nesting sites, cover, and shade for woodland wildlife.

Excellent choice for large properties, woodland gardens, and restoration projects.

Plant only where you have room for a large tree — it is not suitable for small urban gardens.
Young trees benefit from regular watering until established.
Avoid heavy pruning; allow its natural shape to develop.
Similar in appearance to sugar maple and can be difficult to distinguish.

Plant Location

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Acer nigrum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Acer nigrum

Specialized Bees Supported by Acer nigrum

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Acer japonicum (Japanese Maple)
  • Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: 3/8 inch
  • Sow by January
  • Stratification conditions: Soak for 24h
  • Stratification duration: 90 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: June
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are released from plant
  • Harvesting:
    • Nut has been released from tree
  • Seed viability test:
    • None
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage:
    • Air Dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • Remove non-seed material
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

GRASP Candidate

Rare/endangered native plants within 50km radius of Ottawa approximately. Burton is anchor study, plus iNaturalist observations to corroborate if any recent spotting.