Norway Maple
Acer platanoides · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae (Soapberry family), formerly Aceraceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Invasive Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7; highly tolerant of cold winters and urban heat.
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a dense, rounded, and symmetrical crown. It provides heavy shade that often prevents grass from growing beneath it. Known for its prolific production of winged seeds (samaras).
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement with 5 to 7 lobes and long-pointed teeth. Leaves are large (4-7 inches wide), dark green in summer, and produce a milky white sap when the petiole is broken.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark that is smooth on young trees, developing neat, shallow, interlacing furrows and ridges as it matures, resembling a diamond-like pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Southwestern Asia; widely naturalized in North America and often considered invasive
Growing Season
Buds open in early spring with yellow flowers; leaves stay green late into autumn before turning yellow and falling during late October to November dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to various soil types and urban pollution.
Mature Size
Mature height of 40-60 feet with a similar or slightly larger spread; fast growth rate when young, slowing with age; lifespan typically 60-150 years.
Special Characteristics
Noted for its extreme urban tolerance (salt, smog, compact soil). It is distinguishably different from Sugar Maple by its milky leaf sap and samaras that attach at a nearly 180-degree angle.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds; flowers are an early nectar source for bees. However, its invasive nature often displaces native hardwood species and creates a monoculture that limits biodiversity.