In the fall, the tree is associated with infestations of boxelder bugs. They are harmless but are not usually welcome when they invade basements. Boxelder grows rapidly and makes an excellent climbing tree for kids. Boxelder is an aggressive invader of fallow fields and roadside ditches. Sometimes considered a race of sugar maple, black maple leaves are darker green and shinier.
Twigs tend to be a bit stouter and the seeds proportionately larger in the helicopters.
Resembles sugar maple but twigs are distinctly purple and terminal buds larger. Leaves also sometimes have a purple color to them. Helicopters are a little smaller. Click on the blue to return to the Deciduous Summer Key or Deciduous Winter Key . Click HERE to return to the home page.