Norway Maple
Acer plataneoides · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Species (likely wild-type based on leaf color and structure)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 7 (sometimes 8 in cooler microclimates).
About This Tree
A large deciduous tree with a dense, rounded, and spreading crown. It is known for its heavy shade and vigorous growth rate. The branching is typically opposite and the canopy often becomes very symmetrical and umbrella-like with age.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, palmately lobed with 5 to 7 lobes and long, pointed tips (bristle-tipped). Typical size is 4 to 7 inches wide. Arrangement is opposite. Petioles exude a milky white sap when broken, a key identification feature.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark that remains relatively smooth when young, becoming shallowly furrowed into tight, interlacing ridges that form a diamond pattern with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Western Asia; naturalized and invasive in North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring with yellow flowers; fruits in summer; enters dormancy in late autumn with yellow fall color.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; moderate water needs. Highly adaptable to various soil types and highly drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height: 40 to 60 feet; Spread: 30 to 50 feet. Moderate to fast growth rate. Lifespan typically 60 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of urban pollution, road salt, and compacted soil. It has striking yellow fall foliage. Note: It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the Northeastern U.S. and Canada.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides early nectar for pollinators via spring flowers. Seed samaras (wings) are eaten by small mammals and some birds. However, its dense shade often suppresses native understory growth.