Xylem of sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.), discolored by infection with Verticilliumdahliae Kleb., showed several characteristics of the discolored xylem associated with wounding. Moisture content, total ash, and concentrations of calcium and potassium were greater and electrical resistance was lower than in adjacent healthy, nondiscolored wood. Bacteria and fungi in addition to V. dahliae were isolated from the wood discolored by the infection. It is possible that, as in wood discolored by wounding, the characteristics of Verticillium-discolored wood might also be associated with a succession of microorganisms that could lead to decay.