Norway Maple
Acer platanoïdes · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Sapindaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (may be a common green cultivar like 'Emerald Queen')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 7
About This Tree
A large, dense deciduous tree with a broadly rounded to oval crown. It is known for its heavy shade, vigorous growth, and ability to grow in tough urban environments. It often outcompetes native species due to its dense canopy and prolific seeding.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement; 4 to 7 inches wide with 5 to 7 sharply pointed lobes. Dark green in summer, turning bright yellow in fall. Milky sap is visible when the petiole (leaf stem) is broken.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown to dark gray; on mature trees, it features a pattern of neat, shallow, interlacing furrows and ridges that form a diamond-like pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Western Asia; heavily naturalized and considered invasive in parts of North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring with yellow flowers; sets winged seeds (samaras) in summer; enters dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil but is highly tolerant of drought, pollution, and poor soil conditions once established.
Mature Size
Height: 40–60 feet; Spread: 30–50 feet; Growth rate: Fast; Lifespan: 60–150 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely hardy in urban settings; notable for its milky sap and wide-spreading samaras (wings spread nearly 180 degrees). Often used for reclamation but discouraged in many areas due to its invasive nature in woodlands.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds and support for generalist pollinators via spring flowers. However, its dense shade and shallow root system often prevent the growth of native understory plants, reducing overall local biodiversity.