Black maple | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Soapberry (formerly Maple)
Family (botanic) Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 60-75 feet
Mature width 40-50 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
Season of interest early spring, early fall, mid fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Oval, Round, Upright
Growth rate Moderate
Transplants well Moderate
Planting considerations Commonly planted
Wildlife Insect pollinators
Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat:

Black maple is commonly found in moist sites. C-Value: 5.

Bark color and texture:

The bark is dark gray to almost black and deeply furrowed.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Simple leaves are in pairs (opposite) are 3 to 6 inches long. The leaf is a little thicker than sugar maple with drooping edges, giving an almost wilted appearance. Pubescence (slight hairiness) is found on the lower surface. Stipules are often present with the leaves. The five-lobed leaves are dark green in summer, changing to yellow in fall.