Black Maple
Acer nigrum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Black Maple (Acer nigrum) is a deciduous tree native to eastern and midwestern United States. It blooms in April and May, attracting bees and beetles as pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Maple as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
300"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Black maple is a stately native shade tree that develops a broad, rounded crown with age. It produces beautiful yellow-orange fall color and grows at a moderate pace, making it an excellent choice for larger residential properties.
Growing Black Maple
Grow Black Maple in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 300 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Black Maple takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size inappropriate for most residential lots
- Deciduous nature creates significant leaf litter
Wildlife value
Host plant for luna moth, rosy maple moth.
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, while the seeds feed birds and small mammals. The large canopy provides important nesting habitat and shelter for various wildlife species.
Common questions
- Where is Black Maple native to?
- Black Maple is native to much of the eastern and midwestern United States, including states from Alabama north to Minnesota and from Kansas east to Connecticut.
- When does Black Maple bloom?
- Black Maple blooms during April and May, producing flowers that attract bees and beetles.
- What pollinators visit Black Maple?
- Black Maple flowers attract bees and beetles as primary pollinators during its spring blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Black Maple prefer?
- Black Maple grows best in full sun to partial sun and can adapt to various moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Black Maple toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Maple as toxic to livestock.
- Is Black Maple HOA-friendly?
- Black Maple takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Black Maple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz