Norway Maple
Acer platanoïdes · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (Acer platanoïdes)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.
About This Tree
A dense, rounded shade tree with a broad, symmetrical crown. It features a fast growth rate when young and produces upright clusters of chartreuse flowers in spring. Its sap is distinctively milky when a leaf petiole is broken.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves with 5 to 7 lobes and long, pointed teeth. Typically 4-7 inches wide. Dark green in summer, turning bright yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown bark that is smooth on young trees, developing shallow, regular, interlacing furrows and ridges as it matures, forming a diamond-like pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in North America.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, often preceded or accompanied by yellow-green flowers. Enters dormancy in late autumn, typically with yellow fall color.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to various conditions. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches 40-60 feet in height with a spread of 30-50 feet. Life span is typically 60-100 years in urban settings.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of urban pollution, road salt, and compacted soil. It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the Northeastern United States due to its prolific seeding and dense shade.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides early-season nectar for bees and other pollinators. Small mammals and birds eat the samaras (winged seeds). Its dense canopy provides excellent nesting cover for birds.