Acer saccharum subsp. nigrum
black maple
A deciduous tree, to around 25m high, with a rounded crown and dark, furrowed bark. Leaves are mostly three-lobed, and dark green with hairy undersides. Clusters of pale yellow-green flowers are produced in spring, followed by typical winged seeds. Leaves turn bright yellow, orange and red in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Orange | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil, will tolerate alkaline soils but autumn colour is better is slightly acid soils. See tree cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.