Key to the Trees of Wisconsin

These two species are very similar and some individuals appear to be intermediate. Some authors have included A. nigrum as a variety of A. saccharum rather than assigning it species status.

32. Petioles and undersides of leaves usually pubescent; stipules often present at least initially; the two lobes at the cordate base of the leaf often overlapping, or at least nearly meeting at their extremities.

 Acer nigrum
32. Petioles and undersides of leaves glabrous (or a few hairs along the veins); stipules absent; the two lobes at the base of the leaf clearly separated.
 Acer saccharum
 

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