• Height: 60-75 ft
• Spread: 40-50 ft
• Light: Full sun-Part shade
• Soil: Average-Moist, Well drained
• Zone: 4-8
• Deciduous
• Native

This is a lesser known species that is similar to Sugar Maple but generally has darker bark and leaves, its leaves are usually three lobed, and it has stipules at the base of its leaves. It has even been considered a subspecies of sugar maple. Black Maple has excellent fall color with a mix of red, orange, and yellow. This species is a good producer of syrup.

Many Maple species including Black Maple bloom early in the spring usually in April providing pollinators with a nice early source of pollen and nectar. Especially for species like eastern bumble bees who overwinter as adults. Maples are also a host plant for several butterfly and moth species like the Rosy Maple Moth! The samaras are eaten by birds and other mammals.

According to sources like the Missouri Botanic Garden, this species seems to have better heat and drought tolerance than the Sugar Maple and may be a better option. It should still be planted with caution because of our increasing summer heat. Black Maple produces a very dense crown making it an excellent shade tree!