Guides · Tree database · Pennsylvania trees
Black maple identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Black maple, Acer nigrum, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Leaves 3 to 6 inches long with 3 (sometimes 5) smooth-edged lobes, fuzzy underneath, and sides that tend to droop as if wilted. Bark: Dark gray-brown to nearly black, furrowed or scaly on older trees. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify black maple
| Leaf type | Opposite, simple leaves with lobes |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Leaves 3 to 6 inches long with 3 (sometimes 5) smooth-edged lobes, fuzzy underneath, and sides that tend to droop as if wilted. |
| Bark | Dark gray-brown to nearly black, furrowed or scaly on older trees. |
| Fruit | Horseshoe-shaped pairs of winged seeds about 1 inch long, ripe in autumn. |
| Twigs | Shiny brown twigs with pale dots. |
| Size and shape | Very dense oval crown; up to about 100 feet. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is black maple native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black maple as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like black maple
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Sugar maple Acer saccharum | Opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Leaves 3 to 6 inches long with five rounded lobes and smooth edges (no small teeth), paler underneath. |
| Norway maple Acer platanoides | Opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Wide leaves with 5 to 7 lobes ending in long, sharp points. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other maples in Pennsylvania
Boxelder (Acer negundo), Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), Red maple (Acer rubrum), Silver maple (Acer saccharinum), Mountain maple (Acer spicatum), Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), Amur maple (Acer ginnala).
Questions
How do you identify black maple?
Look for opposite, simple leaves with lobes. Leaves 3 to 6 inches long with 3 (sometimes 5) smooth-edged lobes, fuzzy underneath, and sides that tend to droop as if wilted. Bark: Dark gray-brown to nearly black, furrowed or scaly on older trees.
Is black maple native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black maple as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does black maple get?
Very dense oval crown; up to about 100 feet.
How can you tell black maple in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Shiny brown twigs with pale dots. Bark: Dark gray-brown to nearly black, furrowed or scaly on older trees.
What tree looks like black maple?
Sugar maple, Norway maple. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Acer nigrum fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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