Eighteen columns of discolored and decayed wood associated with 2-year-old artificial wounds, and adjacent clear wood in three red maple trees, Acerrubrum L., plus six columns of clear wood in two nonwounded trees were mapped systematically for concentrations of K, Mn, Ca, Mg, and Na. Concentrations of the elements in discolored and decayed wood were higher than in adjacent clear wood in the same tree and in clear wood in the nonwounded trees. Concentration of K was highest in discolored and decayed wood near the wound and the concentration decreased toward the ends of the columns. Concentration of Mg was similar to K but the decrease in concentration toward the ends of the columns was more gradual. Concentrations of Mn and Ca were greatest at points between the wound and the ends of the columns. The different patterns of distribution between K and Mg, and Ca and Mn suggest that these elements may have different roles in the discoloration and decay process.