Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) vs Black Locust

Acer saccharum

Robinia pseudoacacia

Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Black Locust

Sugar Maple is a large, deciduous tree known for its brilliant fall yellow, orange, and red-orange color display.

This long-lived shade tree features unique "maple"
lobed leaves.

Note: this Zone 4 tree is unlikely to produce commercially viable sap on the prairies.

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

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Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Seeds: winged samara
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: hard maple, rock maple
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust