Norway Maple
Acer platanoïdes · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae (Formerly Aceraceae)
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Ornamental / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Common (Species type), though several varieties like 'Crimson King' or 'Emerald Queen' exist in urban settings.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 7; highly adaptable to cold climates and urban heat island effects.
About This Tree
A large, vigorous deciduous tree with a dense, broadly rounded crown that provides heavy shade. It features large, dark green leaves and a notably straight, sturdy trunk. It is known for its fast growth rate when young and its ability to withstand urban stresses.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement, 5-lobed leaves typically 4 to 7 inches wide. Characterized by pointed teeth and long petioles that exude a milky white sap when broken. Fall color is usually a clear yellow or yellow-green.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brownish-black; relatively smooth when young, becoming shallowly and regularly furrowed with narrow, intersecting ridges forming a diamond pattern as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in North America.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, typically earlier than most native maples. Flowers in April-May (yellow-green clusters). Enters dormancy in late autumn with leaves often staying green or turning yellow later than other species.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types including heavy clay. Moderate water needs but maintains good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches 40-60 feet in height with a similar spread of 35-55 feet. Growth rate is moderate to fast; lifespan typically ranges from 60 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely tolerant of air pollution and salt spray. Noted for its 'samaras' (winged seeds) that spread at a nearly 180-degree angle. Considered invasive in many parts of the Northeastern U.S. due to its ability to out-shade native species.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds and cover for small mammals. Flowers provide early spring nectar for bees and other pollinators. Because it is non-native in North America, it supports fewer native insect species than native maples like Quercus or Acer saccharum.