Norway Maple
Acer plataneoides · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (likely 'Emerald Queen' or similar green cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 7
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a dense, symmetrical, rounded crown that provides heavy shade. It is known for its vigor and adaptability to urban environments.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite arrangement, 4–7 inches wide with 5-7 lobes; lobes have long pointed teeth (bristle-tipped). Leaf stalks exude a milky white sap when broken. Dark green in summer, turning yellow in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Grey-brown color with a regular pattern of firm, shallow, interlacing ridges and furrows. Unlike Sugar Maple, the bark does not typically peel in large plates as it ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in North America
Growing Season
Flowering in early spring (April/May) before leaves emerge; seeds mature in late summer; dormant in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Mature Size
40–60 feet tall and wide; growth rate is moderate to fast; typical lifespan is 60–100 years in urban settings.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of urban pollution and salt; produces abundant winged seeds (samaras) with a nearly 180-degree spread. Considered invasive in many parts of the Northeastern US.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds; flowers provide spring nectar for bees. However, its dense shade and allelopathic tendencies can suppress the growth of native understory plants.