Black Maple

Acer saccharum nigrum

Physical Characteristics

Acer saccharum nigrum is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Alabama, west to South Dakota and Arkansas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Sap Seed Edible Uses: Sweetener The sap contains reasonable quantities of sugar and can be used as a drink or concentrated into a syrup by boiling off the water[1, 2, 11, 43, 34, 57, 142, 159]. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. The sap can be harvested in late winter or early spring[[142], the flow is best on a warm sunny day after a frost. Trees on southern slopes in sandy soils give the best yields. It is best to make a hole about 7cm deep and about 1.3 metres above the ground[171]. Yields of 40 - 100 litres per tree can be obtained[142]. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates. Seed - boiled then roasted[62, 105, 159]. The seed is about 6mm long and is produced in small clusters[82]. Inner bark - cooked. It is dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[105, 161].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257].

Known Hazards

None known