Acer saccharum subsp. nigrum (F.Michx.) Desmarais

A tree to 25-35 m high. The trunk can be 90 cm across. The trunk is often straight and without branches in the lower 2/3s. The crown is narrow and round topped. The bark is dark grey with long narrow ridges. The leaves are 8-20 cm long. The leaves usually have 3 lobes. The upper surface is dark green and underneath it is yellowish-green. It has dense brown velvety hairs. The leaves seldom turn red in the autumn but turn brownish-yellow. The leaf stalks are 6-10 cm long. Leaves have a wilted appearance. The fruit have wings with spread slightly.

It is a temperate plant. Naturally found in the USA and Canada, in valleys usually below 750 metres but up to 1650 metres in the south of its range. It can tolerate a range of soils. When trees are dormant they can withstand temperatures to-45°C. They are most commonly on broad flat flood plains. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.

The sap of the tree is used as a source of sugar. It produces Maple syrup. The inner bark can be cooked, dried, ground into flour then used to thicken soups. The seeds with the wings removed can be boiled and eaten.

Seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours then kept cold at 0-8°C for 2-4 months to assist them to grown. Seed can be sown fresh if green seeds are used. Layering or cuttings can be used.